Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
(BEDFORD) - Bedford City officials are solving a flooding problem at John A. Williams Boulevard and Plaza Drive North with the placement of a new extension box culvert.
Bedford Board of Works and Safety members approved a change order of $226,565.00 to do the needed improvements to the area.
"I know this is a substantial amount," said Mayor Shawna Girgis, "But we must address this before the spring rains. We have experience some problems already."
With the near completion of Plaza Drive North more rain water is flowing toward John Williams Boulevard and the lift station at the end of the hill.
To solve the problem Crider & Crider will place a larger extension box culvert to improve drainage problems along John Williams Boulevard.
The change order also includes:
*Curb removal and replacement with a curb cut and concrete drive approach for property owner. Cost $7,350.00.
*Night paving so local businesses are not disturbed during business hours. Cost $1,650.00.
*Drainage improvements along John A. Williams Boulevard including relocating of the existing force main at the new box culvert crossing. Cost $202,315.00.
*And a contract time extension. No cost.
The project was delayed once before when contractors encountered unanticipated layers of especially hard rock along the path from 16th Street to John Williams Boulevard. Inclement weather in the spring also slowed the project. Now because of flooding issue and the steps needed to combat that the completion date is set for the end of November.
In September, Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis and fellow board of works and public safety members Byron Buker and Tony Ravenna accepted a contract bid from Crider & Crider for work on the project. Seven contractors had submitted bids for the construction and paving of the new road. Crider & Crider's bid was $1.234 million.
The project began during former mayor Joe Klumpp's administration and is designed to relieve congestion on James Avenue in the city's west end. The city hired Bonar Group in 2006 to serve as consultant on the road-building project. In December 2007, the Bedford Redevelopment Commission gave final approval for the sale of bonds up to $3.27 million over 20 years to fund the extension. Work on the project commenced in the fall.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.