By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The largest construction season in Decatur’s history is well underway, with two major projects going on in separate areas of the city.
The major project to provide considerable amounts of repaved streets and new sidewalks in the northwest portion of the city is in its 11th week.
Meanwhile, the project to set up a roundabout at the Five Points intersection is beginning its second week.
The sidewalk/street project is funded by a grant of $1,456,125 from the state’s Community Crossings project, with a 25% match by the city.
City Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert says new sidewalks on Third St. and Jackson St. have been completed. This week, the work shifts to Marshall St., from Fifth St. to Second St., and to Short St.; that effort is expected to conclude on Seventh.
The following week, the project will shift to Fourth St., from Monroe to Marshall, and on Marshall, from Fifth to Seventh.
Weather permitting, Gilbert said, all sidewalk work should be finished by the end of July and DC Construction of Pendleton, the general contractor for the project, will then begin milling and paving streets.
With any luck and dry weather, the project should be completed by Labor Day, Gilbert noted.
FIVE GONE: The five points of Five Points are now gone, with Fleming Excavating having dug up the area.
The project is going well, Gilbert said, with storm sewer work due to begin on Tuesday; that effort should require approximately two weeks.
From that point, Fleming will cut the dirt to grade, then E&B Paving of Muncie, general contractor, will place the stone and begin the concrete work, according to Gilbert.
The Indiana Department Transportation (INDOT) is in charge of the project.
E&B Paving won the contract with a low bid of $2,493,109. Decatur’s match is 20% of the final cost.
About the Author
