Blackford County reports temporary railroad repairs, paving schedule; accepts low bid from GD Excavating

County staff said crews completed temporary repairs on rough railroad crossings and listed a schedule of paving work expected in the coming weeks. Staff also said the county accepted the low bid from GD Excavating on a township project and will finalize a contract for county and township signatures.

Why it matters: Roadway repairs and pavement preservation affect travel safety and county maintenance budgets. The accepted bid starts a contract process that will authorize construction work in a township.

Staff reported that crews have temporarily fixed the last rough railroad crossings in the county, including work on 25 West and connections to Marsh Road and 325. Planned paving projects referenced in the meeting include paving of 100 North, 2 West, and a two-mile section related to 325; staff said those areas will be repaved as part of an upcoming paving schedule. Chip-and-seal work was projected to start around Aug. 1, subject to schedule shifts.

Staff said the county had accepted the low bid from GD Excavating and had met with the county department (referred to in the meeting as the “John department”) to confirm that the structure for the project will not interfere with a planned solar installation. Staff said they will route the contract for county and township signatures.

Staff also reported that the county is using labor help from a neighboring county to finish remaining work on county roads.

No motion maker or vote tally was recorded in the provided transcript excerpts; staff characterized the bid as accepted and said contracting paperwork will follow.