Board approves small change order; staff outlines plan to replace century-old concrete streets

The Elkhart Board of Works approved Change Order No. 1 for the Stevens Avenue, Francis Avenue and Second Street reconstruction project on Oct. 21, increasing the contract by $17,530 to a current price of $1,867,443.30.

City engineering staff explained that many streets in the affected neighborhoods are nearly 100 years old and constructed of granite-based concrete that resists milling equipment. To replace these sections, crews must saw-cut and remove the old concrete before repaving with asphalt. Staff said similar work will be needed on other streets in the northwest part of the city and on Royce Avenue.

The staff presentation also described temporary dry wells installed near Second Street to manage drainage and traffic-control work performed at Main and Marion Streets as part of ongoing downtown circulation changes. The board approved the change order by voice vote.