KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Transportation and Kosciusko County Commissioners celebrated the opening of the C.R. 1300 N. rail overpass in Milford on Thursday.

The $10 million safety improvement project goes over Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and was completed with support from INDOT's Local Trax Rail Overpass Program.

The program provides state funds to local entities for rail crossing safety projects across Indiana.

"Since 2018, INDOT has provided more than $125 million to nearly a dozen cities, towns and counties to support grade separation, crossing closures, and other safety enhancement projects on local roads," said Commissioner Mike Smith. "We have seen much success with this program and hope it will continue in the future with support from the General Assembly."

The overpass construction started in early 2023 and finished in mid-August.

INDOT officials say the overpass is anticipated to improve safety for the town of Milford and surrounding areas while also providing permanent access to both sides of the tracks in case of a slow or stopped train.

"This new overpass is transformational for Kosciusko County and the Milford area," said Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson. "We expect to see continued benefits related to local and regional mobility, better access for emergency vehicles and personnel, reduced travel delays, and fewer traffic incidents."

As part of Thursday's ceremony, the new overpass was dedicated to Jackson, who is retiring at the end of the year after 28 years of service to the county.