Welcome to Munster’s ReImagine Ridge Road Project Website!

RENEW… RECONNECT…REIMAGINE…

Ridge Road is an important gateway into Munster. For many years, residents and local leaders have shared concerns about the safety and appearance of Ridge Road. Community discussions helped shape recommendations in the Town of Munster’s 2010 Comprehensive Plan, including consolidating curb cuts, improving pedestrian/bike access, and redesigning intersections. Building on this long-standing community input, the Town conducted a streetscape study and adopted the Calumet–Ridge Corridor Streetscape Plan in 2021.

The goals and objectives of the Calumet-Ridge Streetscape Plan follow:

  • Improve safety for drivers, walkers, and cyclists along the Ridge Road Corridor.
  • Improve business and economic vitality along Ridge Road.
  • Reinforce a sense of a downtown place in our community.
  • Develop a more welcoming environment for biking and walking.
  • Enhance the ability to absorb stormwater and reduce flooding. 
Calumet-Ridge Streetscape Plan

THE RAISE GRANT AND CURRENT ENGINEERING

Following the adoption of the Calumet–Ridge Streetscape Plan, the Town of Munster worked to secure funding to improve Ridge Road for residents and visitors. In August 2022, Congressman Mrvan announced a $17.1 million U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant to support improvements from the State Line to Columbia Avenue.

RAISE Grant News Article

The Town of Munster hired Infrastructure Engineering Inc. (IEI) to develop engineering documents for the project area. The engineering team’s attention is focused on Ridge Road between the State Line and Columbia Avenue.

A Preliminary Engineering Assessment was performed in late 2024 for the Ridge Rd corridor. The report evaluated the traffic data collected and compared two alternatives. The recommended alternative from the report was a 5-lane section with reduced lane widths. Since this alternative did not align with the initial Raise Grant funding, an amendment to the Raise Grant was submitted to FHWA and the U.S. Department of Transportation and is currently being reviewed.

The recommended five-lane alternative includes the following improvements to Ridge Road:

  1. Maintain two lanes in each direction that are reduced from 11 ft to 10 ft wide.
  2. Replace sidewalks with 5 ft wide sidewalks to the north and 10 ft wide multi-use trail to the south.
  3. Remove the west Harrison signalized intersection
  4. Reduce/consolidate curb cuts throughout the corridor
  5. Improve traffic signals and update pedestrian crossings
  6. Replace existing lighting with new roadway and pedestrian lights
  7. Consolidate and relocate utilities as practical
  8. Improve aesthetics, including paving, landscaping, and signage as practical

The project team anticipates meetings with stakeholders along Ridge Road and at least two community meetings.

STAY TUNED

Community feedback is important to us – please continue to check this website for upcoming meeting and project announcements. If you have questions about the project, please connect with the team at: renewridgeroad@munster.org

Project Area

Ridge Road, from the state line (west) to Columbia Avenue (east). Click to enlarge map.

Project Timeline

  • Late 2023 – End 2025

    Traffic Studies and Preliminary Engineering

  • Early 2026 – Mid 2027

    Public Meetings, Coordination with Businesses and Neighbors, and Engineering Design

  • Early 2027 – End 2027

    Utility Relocations and Continued Coordination with Businesses and Neighbors

  • Late 2027 – Mid 2029

    Phased Construction