An infrastructure project continues to reshape downtown Upland, as the Indiana Department of Transportation began working on the replacement of the bridge leading into downtown, and a series of streetscape enhancements on March 3.
The improvements, aimed at increasing safety and revitalizing the town’s core, are expected to be completed by November 2025 according to an announcement on their Facebook page.
Local traffic will have access in areas where work is not being completed by using local detours. Access to businesses and homes will be maintained as well, according to a statement by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
“The new bridge serves to replace rather than repair aging infrastructure,” Andrea Masvero, 1846 Enterprises executive director, said. “The new bridge will have a lower curvature design that will improve sightlines for drivers and enhance road safety for all users. Downtown streetscaping will introduce several aesthetic and functional improvements, including new crosswalks, paving, defined on-street parking and curb and gutter enhancements.”
New streetlights with flower baskets will contribute to the beautification efforts, and a pedestrian crossing will be added to improve safety.
Masvero said the streetscape improvements align with broader efforts to create a more vibrant and accessible downtown environment for residents and visitors alike.
“Downtown serves as the front door to Upland and for many visitors to Taylor [University],” Masvero said. “These enhancements will add polish to downtown to make it more inviting and welcoming.”
During construction, traffic will be rerouted to minimize disruptions, Masvero said. The official detour will direct local traffic down Eighth Street before connecting to Indiana Avenue, which will link back to Main Street. Upland residents will still have access to much of the downtown area via Washington Street, which will remain open throughout the project.
INDOT encouraged drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when travelling in and around all work zones.
Regarding the potential impact on local businesses, Masvero declined to speculate but acknowledged the question as important. She noted that the E&B Paving team, responsible for executing the project, has been proactive in communicating with businesses and planning for necessary closures and traffic rerouting.
“We believe these improvements to Main Street will be catalytic for Upland’s economy and community well-being,” Masvero said. “A new Main Street will be a foundation for new development in Upland. We are particularly excited to see how residents and students alike use the new Main Street Pathway to stay active and engage with our community.”
While challenges and risks are inherent in any large-scale infrastructure project, Masvero noted that 1846 Enterprises is not directly managing the project and, therefore, does not have insight into specific concerns that could impact the timeline.
Residents and business owners looking to stay informed about the project’s progress and any updates regarding detours can follow the Main Street Mile Initiative’s Facebook page at @uplandmainstreet.
