Lafayette Redevelopment Commission approves $3.18 million contract, issues notice to proceed for South Street railroad crossing

The Lafayette Redevelopment Commission on April 30 approved a notice of award and accepted a $3,183,899.98 base-bid contract with Milestone Contractors to build the South Street railroad crossing, and issued a notice to proceed that takes effect immediately.

City staff and consultants told the commission that Butler Fairman Seifert reviewed the bids and recommended Milestone Contractors as the lowest responsive bidder. "All the necessary documents have been submitted, and we're recommending that the commission issue a notice of award to Milestone Contractors," the project presenter said.

The commission then moved and approved the notice of award by voice vote. Commissioners subsequently voted to approve the contract for the base bid amount, which staff presented to the commission as $3,183,899.98.

The notice to proceed includes two intermediate completion dates and a final completion date of April 30, 2027. Staff outlined the schedule intent: the first intermediate completion date is Aug. 13 of this year to have roadway construction finished before Purdue's fall semester begins so closures are avoided during students' return; the second intermediate completion date is Oct. 30 to allow time for delivery and installation of traffic-signal poles and mast arms. Staff said the Oct. 30 date may be adjusted if poles take longer to arrive.

Commissioners asked about traffic impacts and closures. Staff confirmed there will be full closures when crews work on the railroad tracks and described the planned detour route as Creasy to Union to Sagamore. Staff referenced prior work on South Street during the Restore Sagamore project and said improvements made at the Union and Creasy intersection helped traffic flow during earlier closures.

Staff also described the visible improvements residents will see when work is complete: extension of two trails east across the railroad to the post office signal, pedestrian crossings on all four legs of that signal, pavement and median work through the Farabee intersection, removal of concrete barriers in favor of raised, landscaped medians, and curb-and-gutter installation.

Officials said they are pursuing the federal Safe Streets for All grant to extend the project further east to Creasy and to continue pedestrian improvements beyond current project limits.

A director's report at the end of the meeting noted a May 14 special meeting for the Elliott Ditch bid opening, with an award to be considered at the May meeting. The commission opened the floor for public comment; no members of the public spoke, and the meeting was adjourned.