The city of Portage is gearing up for the Central Avenue West reconstruction.
Director of planning and community development A.J. Monroe says some preliminary work has already begun, and the first phase of construction should start later this month. Central is tentatively scheduled to be closed entirely between Willowdale and Swanson from late April to late September.
"The plan right now is to open Central Avenue, then, through the winter, and then start the next phase of the project in 2024, which in that phase, would include the reconstruction of the intersection of Willowdale and Central Avenue and the reconstruction of Swanson and Central Avenue," Monroe told the city council Tuesday.
He added that discussions about funding for future phases are ongoing, both with the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and with U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan's office.
Meanwhile, Portage is seeking a Community Crossings Matching Grant from the state to re-pave Portage Avenue.
"So it's over two miles of road, and that's a very significant project in town," Monroe said.
He said the work has been delayed for the past few years, as the city focused on other projects.
