Speedway Town Council approves bids for Crawfordsville Road pedestrian improvement project

The Speedway Town Council meeting on March 10, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and the awarding of bids for a significant pedestrian improvement project on Crawfordsville Road.

The meeting began with introductions of council members and staff, confirming a quorum despite the absence of two counselors. The council swiftly approved the minutes from the February 24, 2025, meeting, as well as the memorandum from the same session, both passing unanimously.

A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of bids for the Crawfordsville Road Pedestrian Improvement Project. Town Manager Grant Kleinhans reported that four bids were received, with Alco Incorporated from Batesville, Indiana, submitting the lowest bid of $2,861,657.37. This amount was notably lower than the engineer's estimated cost of $3,000,006.59, indicating a competitive bidding process.

Kleinhans explained that the project aims to enhance pedestrian safety along Crawfordsville Road, including the installation of new sidewalks and a traffic signal at the entrance to Kohl's. The construction is expected to begin after the Indy 500 in May, with a target completion date by the end of the year, although some minor work may extend into early 2026.

The council expressed concerns about coordinating this project with another ongoing construction effort on 25th Street to minimize disruptions. Kleinhans assured the council that efforts would be made to manage the impact on traffic and pedestrian access during the construction period.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving infrastructure and safety for residents and visitors in Speedway. The next steps involve finalizing the contract with Alco Incorporated and preparing for the upcoming construction season.