Police close Bypass because of standing water and accidents

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Bypass closed between S.R. 23 and U.S. 31

Police officers block the eastbound lanes of the Bypass. Standing water on the road caused accidents between State Road 23 and U.S. 31. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Jan 29, 2008 at 8:24 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 30, 2008 at 12:21 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — Police are asking drivers to avoid the Bypass due to whiteout conditions and weather-related accidents.

Police have closed the eastbound lanes of the Bypass and traffic is being diverted off the highway between State Road 23 and U.S. 31. Standing water has caused accidents along that stretch of road.

Police say they are even having trouble getting to accident calls along the highway due to whiteout conditions.

Eastbound lanes are expected to be closed indefinitely.

Friday, Feb 1 at 8:26 AM kristen wrote ...

I followed Kristen's shortcut. It isn't bad, except for the cart return she ran into and the phone pole she knocked over.

Thursday, Jan 31 at 4:07 PM Kristen wrote ...

It must be the CiCi's pizza off Ireland. After I skidded off the westbound bypass and throught the fence into the Kohl's parking lot, there's a shortcut.

Thursday, Jan 31 at 2:13 PM Trent wrote ...

Ummmm, well since Jim wont answer, maybe one of you psycho Kristens can tell me where the $4.99 pizza buffets is???

Thursday, Jan 31 at 1:43 PM Kristen wrote ...

All of you that are posting using the name Kristen are idiots. Well, except for me.

Thursday, Jan 31 at 1:29 PM Kristen wrote ...

Hey, quit making fun of me. The real Kristen posted at 5:14 yesterday and 9:21 today, or is that really me? Wait, 12:59 might be me. Oh, I can't tell any more. See what you guys have done?

Thursday, Jan 31 at 12:59 PM Kristen wrote ...

Look, I use the bypass to by bidness done and get back home so I can read online news and post my opinions. Its how I roll, and neither you nor nonone else wont tell me otherwise how to live.

Thursday, Jan 31 at 11:23 AM Kristen wrote ...

Am I arguing with myself. I must be an idiot, or two idiots. I can't tell.

Thursday, Jan 31 at 9:21 AM To Kristen wrote ...

What an idiot! Who died and left you boss? Good thing there are people that actually have brains running the show, like the ones who closed the bypass, they are the ones who save us from people like you!! Kris

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 11:35 PM To Kristen... wrote ...

Hey Kristen...way to put your kids in danger! You say you'll drive on the bypass no matter what...well, if you're told to stay off of it, and you break the rules, one of your children could end up dead. Bet that would teach you a lesson to not be so hard headed wouldn't it.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 5:14 PM kristen wrote ...

i'll drive on the bypass no matter what!! even with my two kids, even early in teh morning, i don't care! i've got things to do!

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 5:09 PM Billy wrote ...

Did anyone see the size of that chicken on the bypass this morning? Man, was it huge!!

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 4:40 PM Mr. Fujawa wrote ...

I was driving on the bypass this morning, and I almost hit, or rather, was hit by Sasquatch! Thank God I am alright!!

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 4:29 PM Lewis wrote ...

Hey Jim! Whats up with this $4.99 pizza buffet? Where's it at? Do I have to take the bypass to get there? I'm going dude!

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 2:00 PM Cheryl wrote ...

Yes the roads were bad, but what is worse is when people are scared to drive and choose to block both lanes of traffic instead of getting over.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 12:55 PM Trent wrote ...

Jim, So where is the $4.99 pizza buffet? How does the pizza rate? Not much better than a pizza buffet and a frosty diet mountain dew.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 12:22 PM Grateful wrote ...

I travel the bypass from Elkhart to US31 every day. Not once this winter has it not been very well taken care of! My hat is off to the road crews, they do an AMAZING job & I appreciate you guys.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 11:31 AM BETH wrote ...

I WAS ON THE BYPASS THIS MORNING, AND I SLID INTO THE WALL. GOOD THING I WAS NOT HURT

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 10:54 AM scott wrote ...

anyone know how bypass looks now? taking wife in for dr appt early afternoon.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 10:43 AM Marcia wrote ...

I avoid the bypass at all costs, but last night I was driving on Kern road towards Goshen away from IUSB - and the white-out was almost impossible to see through. I went to the Bypass on 19 for the rest of the drive to Goshen and it was much better. Back country roads between bare winter fields with snow sweeping into the headlights with no other source of light were the worst thing I've ever experienced.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 10:27 AM IUSB student wrote ...

Should have checked the announcement on TV or internet first. I drove 45 minutes (I live in Elkhart), bypass seems pretty good, I just had to drive slowly - only to find the campus is closed. Oh well...

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 9:10 AM Jim wrote ...

Ridiculous! All this risk of life and limb on the bypass for the sake of $4.99 all you can eat pizza!? Schools and businesses should all be closed today...

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 8:19 AM Frank wrote ...

I Moved North of the worst bypass parts before the snow really started flying this year, and boy am I glad I did!

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 8:12 AM Paul wrote ...

I'm glad I'm home this morning reading how bad the bypass is! Thank God for small blessings. (Be careful everyone, and if you are reading this on your cell phone while driving... CUT IT OUT!

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 7:45 AM not that bad wrote ...

I am a student at IUSB and I have travelled the bypass many times since I live in Goshen. Everytime this winter I have not had to take an alternate route. And I am not a moron either. The people that are the bravest our those that traevel on it when it first begins to snow when there are no trucks out. But the bypass isn't that bad if you just drive safely. And this is coming from someone that is scared to drive when it is snowing.

Wednesday, Jan 30 at 6:52 AM Tara wrote ...

The ONLY time I will drive on the by pass is usually in the spring and summer, but not if it's rainy either. The winter season makes the bypass a death trap, literally. The part behind the old Scottsdale Mall, with the soound barriers, that is a horrible wind tunnel. I refuse, I will take my time to drive around it. who ever designed that thing should be ashamed. Everyone, please drive safe.

Tuesday, Jan 29 at 9:12 PM Good old Larry wrote ...

I have traveled that stretch in the worst of weather conditions and wondered if I'd make it home in one piece. It is an elevated highway and can freeze in minutes. Be careful drivers!!

Tuesday, Jan 29 at 8:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...

horrible conditions

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