WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Progress is being made on plans to create a pedestrian walkway along U.S. 150 in West Terre Haute.
“Almost on a weekly basis there are people walking or riding a bicycle on the grade, that we have to swerve and go around because we don’t see them until the last minute,” said Helen Harris, West Terre Haute resident.
Currently, this stretch of road lacks a sidewalk for pedestrians but that is set to change.
A 1.17 mile walkway is set to be constructed in West Terre Haute, Monday, the contractors bidding to work on the project were revealed.
“We did receive three bids, two of them came in underneath the engineer’s estimate,” said Debbie Calder, West-Central INDOT communications director.
The lowest bid for the project came from Beaty Construction in Boggstown, IN.
Their bid comes in at just over $6.6 million, around $800,000 dollars less than INDOT’s original estimate.
Bids were also submitted by White Construction in Clinton and Rieth Riley Construction of Indianapolis.
Calder says in two to three weeks a contractor will be awarded the project, leading the way for some construction to begin.
“After that, we have a notice to proceed that will be given. Usually, it takes about 45 days for that to happen and then once the contractor receives the notice to proceed, they can begin work,” Calder said.
Those who use U.S. 150 say this is a project that has been needed for quite a while.
“This is absolutely needed, much overdue, and I’m ecstatic we’re going to start this soon,” Harris.
Vigo County engineer Larry Robbins says that he is familiar with all three companies who bid on this project, and he does not expect any issue with whoever is awarded the contract.
INDOT officials say during the next year utility work on the project will be completed.
The entire walkway is expected to be finished during the fall of 2021.
