By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The Five Points project in Decatur continues to move forward, with construction in 2025 still likely.
Jeremy Gilbert, the city’s operation manager, brought to the board of works at its meeting Tuesday night the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) cover sheet for the project’s plans, which will convert the five-way intersection into a roundabout.
After some discussion, the three board members signed the 63-page document, which now goes back to INDOT – keeping the ball rolling!
INDOT is scheduled to open bids for the project on July 10. Within 30 days after a contract is awarded, establishing the total cost of the project, Decatur will have to provide its 20% match.
The project was originally estimated to cost $3,057.690. The feds would put up $2,442,352 of that amount while Decatur’s 20% share would amount to $610,338. Keep in mind, however, those are estimated numbers.
With inflation pushing up prices, the project has been delayed twice. Now, though, costs are coming back down, so the project is back on track.
Gilbert noted to the board that prices for various items needed in the project are definitely on a downward track, which would be a big plus for the city, reducing its 20% match.
The city has funds in its current budget for the match.
If bids come in under estimate, work on the intersection would begin in 2025, likely in the spring. The area would be closed down for six to eight weeks.
Gilbert also told the board that some minor utility relocation work will be done by the city this fall or early winter.
Federal funds are being used, with INDOT administering the project.