Baldwin City Council awards $235,000 Highway 56 crosswalk contract; KDOT to reimburse 85%

Baldwin City Council voted to award a $235,000 contract for a crosswalk on Highway 56 and adjoining sidewalk improvements that will connect the new Heritage subdivision to 8th Street.

Jason Hoskinson, an engineer with BG Consultants, told the council the project drew eight bids and the low bid of $235,000 will be submitted for approval. He said the project is an 85/15 KDOT grant, meaning KDOT will reimburse 85% of eligible costs after the city completes construction and requests reimbursement. Hoskinson estimated crews could begin work in early 2026 and that construction would take roughly two months, weather permitting.

During public comment, resident Jerry Smith asked whether the crosswalk would include traffic control; Hoskinson said the sites will have pedestrian‑activated rapid‑flashing beacons and advanced signage timed to speeds, and that KDOT will not allow a traffic signal at those locations.

Councilmember Julie moved to accept the bid and authorize contract award, and the motion passed by voice vote. Council later approved resolution 2025‑24 to formalize the award and related project documentation.

The city will need to cash‑flow the full contract and then request reimbursement from KDOT for the 85% grant portion after project completion; the council was told previous KDOT reimbursements generally processed quickly. The council did not record a roll‑call vote; the purchase and resolution were approved by voice vote.

Next steps include preconstruction meetings, permitting and a February/early‑2026 start if conditions allow.