MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (AP) _ Storms that raked northwestern Indiana have prompted the Indiana Department of Transportation to close a major highway for 12 hours, causing consternation among affected businesses.
INDOT announced Wednesday it would close a nine-mile stretch of U.S. 30 between Interstate 65 and U.S. 41 for approximately 12 hours beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday so highway and utility crews can repair damage from Monday night's storms.
U.S. 30 carries commuters from northwestern Indiana to Merrillville and the Chicago area. It handles about 45,000 vehicles a day.
INDOT spokesman Matt Deitchley says motorists should avoid the area if they can.
General manager Kimberly Wallace of the Catch 22 Bar & Grill tells The Times the closure will be a “nightmare'' because Wednesday is one of its biggest nights.
