GALVESTON — The Indiana Department of Transportation has postponed the estimated completion date for the Galveston bridge project to August. The project involves work on a U.S. 35 bridge over South Fork Deer Creek, and traffic has been rerouted onto county roads 950 East, 1000 East, and portions of East and West streets.

Randi Wecht stated that several semitrucks have damaged her property since the detour began. One truck became stuck while executing a turn at a four-way stop near her home, causing damage to her landscaping. Wecht placed a pile of rocks on her property corner to deter trucks, but a semitruck subsequently caught a boulder under its trailer and dragged it toward a cemetery. Another semitruck drove through Wecht's yard and sideswiped a tree, and a small sedan also drove through her yard.

Galenston resident Rita Miller's German Shepherd, Ruby, was struck by a car in May. Ruby sustained broken leg and paw injuries and requires weekly veterinary visits. Veterinarians have indicated a possibility that Ruby's leg may require amputation. "It could have been a child," Miller said. "I'm not blaming any person. But the system isn't working."

Senator Stacey Donato stated that she has maintained communication with the Indiana Department of Transportation since the project's inception. "I understand the frustration from locals regarding the continued delays to the Galveston bridge construction project," Donato said. "It has taken longer than anyone anticipated, and I know the condition of the detour route has also caused daily inconveniences to commuters who rely on that major road to travel between Logansport and Kokomo."

During a County Commissioners meeting in May, Highway Superintendent Jeff Smith estimated that it would cost approximately $350,000 for the county and the Town of Galveston to repair the detour roads. "I'm glad it's their project and not ours," Smith said. "Although it impacts us, too." Karin Boyd stated that the increased traffic has damaged roads in the detour area. "The constant delays have ruined lives, businesses and people are just angry all around," Boyd said.

Amanda Weaver stated that three semitrucks have become stuck in her yard since the traffic rerouting began. "I don't want to feel unsafe for my kids to be in their yard because of how much traffic there is," Weaver said. She sent photos of potholes to the County Highway Department, which were subsequently patched. Weaver also reported that a stop sign was obscured by a bush, leading to the installation of an additional sign further down the road. Weaver further stated that the Galveston police department is facing a staffing shortage and that she no longer observes police officers controlling traffic.