LEGAL NOTICE OF PLANNED IMPROVEMENT
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is developing plans for a proposed bridge replacement project on U.S. 52 over Sugar Creek in Hancock County.
The purpose of the project is to address the deteriorated condition of the existing structure, to provide safe vehicular crossing over Sugar Creek, and to provide a structure bridge with an overall condition rating of 7 (good condition) or higher. The need for the project is due to the deterioration of the existing structure.
The preferred alternative is a full bridge replacement. The existing structure will be replaced with a two-span, continuous, prestressed concrete bulb-tee beam bridge, measuring 170.89 feet in length. The new bridge will feature two to three bump-outs on the north side to accommodate new street lighting.
Additional work under the preferred alternative includes replacement of the approach slabs and terminal joints, upgrades to guardrails at both bridge approaches, and raising the vertical profile to remove the existing sag curve off the bridge. Roadside ditches will be improved, and scour protection will be installed. A raised sidewalk will be installed along the bridge and approach slabs, along with new curbs and gutter along the approach roadway. Additionally, the culvert located south of US 52 and west of Sugar Creek (Structure CLV-84796) will be replaced and connected to new curb inlets on the roadway.
The proposed construction will require 0.770 acre of new permanent right-of-way and 0.060 acre of temporary right-of-way.
The maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan proposes road and bridge closures, and the closures are expected to last approximately six months. An official state detour during construction will use I-465, U.S. 40, and State Road (SR) 9. Local roads may be used by local traffic, and access to all properties will be maintained throughout construction. School corporations and emergency services will be notified of closures before construction. The proposed start of construction is Fall 2026.
The cost associated with this project is approximately $4,705,543, which includes preliminary engineering, right-of-way, and construction costs. Both federal and state funds are anticipated to be used.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and INDOT have agreed this project falls within the guidelines of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) Level 2 environmental document. Preliminary design plans along with the CE are available for review at the following locations:
Project documents are to be made available at the Sugar Creek Branch of the Hancock Public Library in New Palestine, Indiana.
INDOT District Office: 32 S. Broadway St., Greenfield, IN 46140. Phone: 855-463-6848
Project website: https://www.in.gov/indot/about-indot/central-office/welcome-to-the-greenfield-district/greenfield-district-current-projects/u.s.-52-bridge-project-over-sugar-creek-in-new-palestine/
All interested persons may request a public hearing be held and/or express their concerns by submitting comments to the attention of Chris Radford, HNTB, at 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, IN 46204, at 317-636-4682, or cradford@hntb.com on or before November 7, 2025. In addition, project information, including the environmental document, may be mailed to interested persons upon request.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons and/or groups requiring project information be made available in alternative formats are encouraged to contact Chris Radford, HNTB, at 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, IN 46204, at 317-636-4682, or cradford@hntb.com for the arrangement and coordination of services. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, persons and/or groups requiring project information be made available in another language are encouraged to contact Chris Radford, HNTB, at 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, IN 46204, at 317-636-4682, or cradford@hntb.com.
This notice is published in compliance with: 1) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111(h)(1) stating, "Each State must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/public hearing program"; 2) 23 CFR 450.210(a)(1)(ix) stating, "Provide for the periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all interested parties and revise the process, as appropriate"; and 3) The INDOT Project Development Public Involvement Procedures approved by the FHWA on July 7, 2021.
HSPAXLP
October 22, 29 2025
LSBN0391850