The Plymouth Board of Works got an update Monday on a few street projects taking place in the city.
City Engineer Rick Gaul said plans continue to move ahead for the installation of a stoplight at the intersection of Oakhill, Soice, and Michigan, near Webster Elementary School. “Essentially what we’re looking at – I believe it’s April 10 is when they’re looking at receiving bids for that project, so we can get them awarded and get them going as fast as we can,” he said. “We’re looking at having the final project closing July 31, 2017. I believe school starts August 2. So basically, we’re cutting it pretty close but where hoping to get it there, and then there will be a penalty if they miss that date.” Right now, the project’s estimated to cost just over $265,000, a bit more than originally expected.
Gaul also updated the board members on the Community Crossings projects planned for this spring. He said they include micro-surface work on Oak Drive from State Road 17 to U.S. 30, Oakhill Avenue from the corporate limits to Michigan, and Jefferson Street from Oak to Fifth.
The city’s also looking to complete its regular spring street and sidewalk projects around the same time. They include work on Jefferson from the Yellow River to Kingston, Plum Street from Washington to Jackson, Pidco from Jim Neu to Oak, Markley from Shamrock to Western. “Basically, this is what was approved and agreed to last year, but I wanted to bring it to your attention,” Gaul explained. “And we’ll be looking at bringing this in.”
One change this year is that the city will base its contracts on unit price, rather than a lump sum. Gaul said the change will make it easier for the city to comply with new requirements from the Indiana Department of Transportation. However, he said Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt will have to keep a closer eye on contractors, to make sure the city gets what it pays for.
Also during Monday’s meeting, Marquardt told the board the hole at the police station parking lot has been repaired. “It did get accomplished in a week,” he said. “Langfeldt Excavating went through that whole project. The weather worked out great. So the parking lot’s all dug out and re-put-in with millings, and then this spring or summer sometime, we will look to see how the funds work to actually get it paved and finish it up.”
Meanwhile, Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson said the Plymouth-Goshen Trail water main extension is up and running as of December 19, with all valves and hydrants in working condition. The board authorized Mayor Mark Senter to sign a certificate of substantial completion. However, Davidson said there’s still some punch-list work that needs to be done.
