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Carthage council advances sidewalk and culvert projects, OKs bridge plan review and discusses downtown beautification
Summary
Carthage council on May 13 advanced multiple public‑works projects — removable downtown sidewalk bump‑outs, three box‑culvert contracts, an 80% TAP‑funded Chapel Road sidewalk and a Union Pacific plan review for the MacGregor Street bridge — and discussed Oak Street beautification and a community Dumpster Day.
Carthage City Council members reviewed and advanced multiple public‑works projects on May 13, including sidewalk adjustments downtown, three box‑culvert replacement contracts and coordination on a planned bridge replacement.
Public works committee chair reported the downtown square sidewalk project is proceeding and that staff proposed removable corner bump‑outs with cast‑iron grates to make snow and debris removal easier. The committee said the removable design should maintain the project schedule and reduce long‑term maintenance costs.
The council advanced three construction contracts to reading: replacement of the West Macon and Center Street box culverts (Elements Construction Concepts, $308,915), the HH and Chapel Road sidewalk project (Elite Site Work, $289,559) and an East Chestnut Street box culvert replacement (JKS Construction, $165,474). The council noted the HH and Chapel Road sidewalk is an 80% reimbursable TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) cost‑share, leaving the city responsible for 20% of the project cost. Staff said the Chapel Road sidewalk will connect school areas and nearby housing developments and that they planned follow‑up meetings with school officials.
On the MacGregor Street bridge, the council approved an agreement to pay Union Pacific for plan review services, a procedural step required because Union Pacific owns the rail line involved and must review replacement designs before the city can proceed with rebuilding. City staff said MNNA (a prior reviewer) had completed a review and Union Pacific’s review would be the remaining step before construction could move forward.
Council members also discussed smaller community improvements. Members and Vision Carthage representatives reported exploring a beautification “facelift” for the Oak Street bridge area, including interim sidewalk repairs, guardrails and plantings while a larger bridge replacement plan is developed. Vision Carthage also proposed a Dumpster Days event at Memorial Hall parking lot on June 8 to allow residents to dispose of large items.
Council members said most culvert and sidewalk work is budgeted; advancing the bids was described as the next step to begin construction on funded projects.
