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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2023
North River Road is Officially Open
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (November 1, 2023) – Wednesday, November 1, Mayor John Dennis cut a ribbon to officially open both lanes of North River Road and the pedestrian trail. The ceremony took place at the corner of Happy Hollow Road and North River Road. Mayor John Dennis, West Lafayette Utility Director, Dave Henderson, and Bowen Engineering Project Manager, Jared Weber all spoke at the even to mark the celebratory occasion.
Mayor Dennis stated, "We're thrilled to connect our communities and neighbors back together again through road and trail access while also ensuring the Wabash River is cleaner and safer for generations to come."
This road opening comes after an 18-month long closure due to the second phase of the River Road CSO Project. CSO, Combined Sewage Overflow, refers to stormwater and wastewater overflow into a natural water source. In West Lafayette, the sewer system transports stormwater and wastewater through one system to the wastewater treatment plant. During rain events with 1/4-inch of rainfall or more, the combined system capacity can become overwhelmed resulting in overflow in the Wabash.
The ceremony marked the end of the second of three phases. The overall project goal is to reduce CSO incidents and enhance the overall health of the Wabash River. Since the completion of the initial phase in 2016, the number of overflow events in the area has significantly decreased, from 150 in the five-year period to fewer than five incidents since 2017.
By Spring 2026, the third phase of the River Road CSO Project will be underway. There are currently no anticipated road closures associated with the third phase of the project.
To learn more, please visit RiverRoadCSO.com.
The traffic patterns in the area will change as commuters began utilizing the roadway and trail network again. Please be mindful of increased pedestrian use and exercise additional caution at the intersections of Robinson/River Road, Dehart/River Road, and Happy Hollow/River Road.
Jenifer Van Schuyver Deputy Director of Development
jvanschuyver@westlafayette.in.gov
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