Indiana Michigan Power: Tillotson Avenue complete closure coming for worker safety
A major thoroughfare in Muncie will be closed completely for a month starting in late August. As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, it’s a move to help keep construction workers safe.
This year, Indiana Michigan Power has been doing work on its underground power lines near its substation on Tillotson Avenue on Muncie’s west side. The work is expected to continue through November.
Rob Keisling is the company’s External Affairs Manager. He says when work shifts back towards the substation between Riverside and University avenues, Tillotson Avenue will have to be completely closed in all directions. He says it’s for the safety of workers.
“We’ve had two incidents where vehicles have driven through the work zone, through the barricades. Fortunately there have been no injuries as a result of those accidents. But we’ve had to adapt how we’re approaching that project and how we protect the workers, who are vulnerable there. They’re in trenches – not a lot of room for them to move if a car comes through.”
Keisling says the company has been working with the city engineer for all possible solutions and says “a hard closure” seems to be the only option.
Tillotson Avenue between Riverside and University avenues is expected to be completely closed beginning on or after August 19. It’s expected to remain closed for a month.
Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host. Contact her at [email protected].
