Work continues at S.R. 2 / Larrison intersection despite reckless drivers and bad weather

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Work continues on schedule for the resurfacing project at the intersection of S.R. 2 and Larrison Boulevard in St. Joseph County, according to Indiana Department of Transportation officials. Recently, the project has suffered some setback due to drivers not respecting work zone.

"The work zone has been evaluated several times due to incidents, which is what led to the intersection being closed to left turns and being right in right out only," INDOT officials said. "The real issue is that motorists are not treating it like a work zone. People are not following the reduced speed limit, are hitting objects causing them to become projectiles, and are nearly hitting INDOT and contract workers."

According to road crews, weather has also been a factor they've had to overcome.

"There was a period in late May/early June where there were quite a few rained out days and then everything is tested as it is laid so there are occasionally times when people aren’t actively working at the site because we’re waiting on material test results," the INDOT said. "Those two things could cause a misconception that work is not being done."

Currently, the median and left lanes have already been demolished and resurfaced in both directions, and traffic has been switched to those lanes.

Officials say the contractor is now working on the right lane and shoulder in each direction.

"St. Joseph County is working with the INDOT to complete road improvements at the intersection of SR 2 and Larrison," the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce said. "... [work] will be complete by 2025, depending on labor and material availability."