The Marshall County Board of Commissioners and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with oversight by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) LaPorte District, intend to proceed with bridge replacement of Marshall County Bridge No. 232 which carries Randolph Road over the Yellow River. The project is located within the limits of Centennial Park in Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana.

The need for the project stems from the deteriorated condition of Marshall County Bridge No. 232 (50-00232/NBI No. 5000111). The deck is rated a 4 out of 9, with seepage and leaching observed. The wearing surface is rated a 5 out of 9, with cracks, seepage, and deteriorated patches observed. The superstructure is rated a 4 of 9 cracks, spalls, and exposed strands. The substructure is rated a 3 out of 9, with cracks, a pile split, and flaking rust. The channel is rated a 7 out of 9, with minor deficiencies observed. Condition ratings range from 0, which indicates a failing structure, to 9, which indicates a new structure with no deficiencies. In addition, the structure has a posted load limit of 23 tons.

The purpose of the project is to improve the condition of Marshall County Bridge No. 232 to a minimum condition rating of at least 7 (good) out of 9 for all structure elements and remove the load limitation.

The preliminary preferred alternative for the proposed project will involve the replacement of the existing structure. The bridge will be replaced with a 171-foot three-span prestressed composite box beam bridge with a 28-foot curb-to-curb width and a 45.0-foot out-to-out width. The typical section will include two 12-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, and 2-foot shoulders. On the east side of the bridge, there will be a 10-foot bike and pedestrian path and 1-foot bridge railing. On the west side of the bridge, there will be a 5-foot sidewalk and 1-foot bridge railing. Revetment riprap will be placed on both banks of the Yellow River. Approximately 336 feet, 193 feet south and 143 feet north, of full depth paving will occur to adjust the profile of the road to match the new structure. The typical section of Randolph Drive will include two 12-foot travel lanes, one in each direction, 2-foot to 3-foot shoulders including curb and gutter, and a 9-foot to 10-foot paved pedestrian and bicycle path along the east side.