House Democrats plan to force vote on Pence tax cut

INDIANAPOLIS | House Republicans may be forced to cast an uncomfortable vote this month, rejecting Republican Gov. Mike Pence's proposed income tax cut en route to approving their two-year budget plan that increases state spending.

Pence touts tax cut, education in State of the State address

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence defended his proposed income tax cut during his first State of the State address Monday, and pledged to expand the availability of private school vouchers, promote vocational education and encourage strong families.

Outlook ominous for Indiana transportation funding

INDIANAPOLIS | Without new money for transportation, Indiana will be fighting a losing battle to keep the state's bridges and roads in satisfactory condition, INDOT Commissioner Mike Cline warned state lawmakers Wednesday.

Bridges often do more than span a body of water

One of the strongest-running local news story has to do with the bridge over the Indiana Harbor ship canal. Despite all these stories, I’m not sure that any of us are any the wiser about why the bridge failed. However, I’m inclined to think it has something to do with our obsession with bridges.

EDITORIAL: Toll bridge will be better than no bridge

The toll bridge to be built at Cline Avenue isn't as good as a free bridge, but at least it's going to be built, assuming the financing is all in order.

EDITORIAL: Relief is in sight for Nine-Span Bridge

The Nine-Span Bridge, a Northwest Indiana landmark, is finally scheduled for replacement. Though we appreciate the value of preserving history, preserving lives is more important.

Joseph Street bridge could open next month

PORTAGE | The bridge to connect Samuelson Estates and The Trails subdivisions could open -- in one form or another -- next month.

Road, bridge builders should guarantee their work

In a time when the nation is struggling to pay its bills, I have to wonder why we as taxpayers have to keep paying year after year for road repair and after a very short time pay for bridge repairs. Whatever happened to doing the job right the first time?

Lawmakers face critical state infrastructure needs

INDIANAPOLIS | State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, sees a bleak path ahead for Indiana's roads -- and rails, bridges and ports -- unless the General Assembly starts mapping a new route to ensure the viability of the state's infrastructure.

Randolph asks governor again to rebuild Cline Avenue Bridge

INDIANAPOLIS | State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, pleaded with Gov. Mitch Daniels on Monday to overrule INDOT's decision to close the Cline Avenue Bridge.

Bridge to success

LOWELL | "One day I made a decision for myself. I decided that I could do whatever I wanted."

Ardmore project contract awarded

PORTAGE | The Portage Utility Board awarded a contract Wednesday for the replacement of the Ardmore Street culverts at Willow Creek.

One bridge down, one to go

PORTAGE | As Porter County officials christened the recently reopened Lute Road bridge Wednesday morning by cutting a red ribbon stretched across it, work is continuing to replace a second bridge maintained by the county within Portage city limits.

Portage Utility says culvert at Ardmore St. to be replaced

PORTAGE | The Portage Utility Services Board will open bids at its Aug. 10 meeting to replace the culvert structure on Ardmore Street over Willow Creek.

INDOT has botched three bridges in Lake County

Why the delay on a decision for the Cline Avenue Bridge? They are simply waiting for the best political moment to say no.

Daniels OKs state transportation study

INDIANAPOLIS | A panel of state legislators will spend the next five years assessing the condition of Indiana's roads, bridges and rails and planning to meet the state's future transportation needs.

Senate OKs transportation study to focus on needs by 2035

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Senate voted 43-6 Tuesday to have state lawmakers examine the condition of the state's roads, bridges and rails, and plan for future needs.

Evergreen Ave. bridge likely closed until fall

PORTAGE | A second primary east-west corridor on the city's west side has been closed.

MLK bridge safe, say builder, designer; could be reopened

INDIANAPOLIS | The builder and designer of the shuttered Martin Luther King Drive Bridge over the Borman Expressway in Gary told state transportation officials Thursday the bridge is safe and could be reopened to at least one lane of traffic in each direction.

Put blame for bad bridges right where it belongs

Before Ron Henson, of Portage, and those from the Party of No pile Northwest Indiana's bridge and road debacle on the president's back, they should look at Gov. Mitch Daniels' Major Moves program and the political party that supported it.