Valpo will be receiving a special delivery over the coming weeks, and the package is so large it requires sections of streets to close for partial days. The delivery includes 12 specially laminated, wooden beams for the new pavilion that will serve as the centerpiece of the Central Park expansion. Each beam is 105-feet in length, requiring special equipment that spans several semi-truck lengths.
Road closures are scheduled for 6:00 a.m. on March 30th, April 3rd and April 9th. In the event of bad weather, March 31st, April 6th and April 10th are contingency dates. The streets affected are Indiana Ave. from the east side of Lafayette to Napoleon St. and Lafayette St. from Indiana Ave. to Monroe St. Streets will be open to foot traffic.
"These beams are similar in size to the wind turbine blades you sometimes see traveling down the highway. You can imagine the challenge in delivering along city streets, and we're taking a great deal of care in the delivery process," said Don McGinley, Valparaiso's Director of Project and Facility Management. The delivery takes place over three days because only four beams can be delivered at a time.
Arkansas Laminating in Magnolia, Arkansas, Fabricated the beams especially for Central Park Plaza. Valparaiso's fire and police departments will be working together with the project management and the project's general contractor, Berglund Construction, for the delivery.
The Central Park Plaza expansion will include the covered pavilion as a centerpiece, along with an ice skating arena, dining plaza, conversation areas and expansive green space. The enhanced park is scheduled to open in August 2015, with the skating pavilion opening three months later.
Stay tuned to the city's website at Valpo.us and Facebook page, Valparaiso Now, for updates on the pending road closures and photos of the beam delivery.