Several Merrillville Road Projects Planned with Community Crossings Grant

In Merrillville, the town says significant upgrades are coming to local roads thanks to a Community Crossings matching grant. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) this month announced Merrillville is getting the maximum amount of up to $1.5 million for a road project that will enhance the following streets:
• 63rd Avenue from Taft Street to the end of the road – Pavement and Concrete Restoration
• 101st Avenue from approx. 2000 feet East of Mississippi Street to Colorado Street – Pavement Restoration
• Harms Road from East 88th Drive to Colorado Street – Pavement Restoration
• West 70th Place from Madison Street to approx. 150 feet East of Harrison Street – Pavement and Concrete Restoration
• Buchanan Street from 73rd Avenue to Pierce Street – Pavement and Concrete Restoration
• Pierce Street from West 72nd Avenue to West 72nd Lane – Pavement and Concrete Restoration
“These road repairs would not have been possible without the financial assistance from the Community Crossing Grant program,” said Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella. “The matching grant allows us to double our taxpayer’s funding, allowing us to repair and resurface many roads in need of work. Our general budget would never allow for this type of major repairs.” Steve King, Merrillville’s Street Department Director/Engineering Administrator, said the work is expected to start in the spring of 2025. “The big one is the 63rd Avenue work,” King said. “There’s a lot of concrete work out there, and it’s very long. That one alone is $1 million.” Community Crossings grants cover up to 50% of the construction costs or the purchase of materials for
approved projects.  “We are thrilled to have the support of the state’s Community Crossings program as we work to build a brighter future in Merrillville,” Town Manager Michael Griffin said. “These funds are expected to enhance our residents’ daily commute, improve accessibility for businesses, and make Merrillville a safer and more attractive place for all.” King said Merrillville has regularly received Community Crossings grants since the program’s inception in 2016, and Merrillville benefited from a recent change that increased the maximum award amount. “It was up to $1 million, and now it’s $1.5 million,” King said.