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Main Street tunnel price jumps to $450,000; Greenwood council seeks ARDOT breakdown
Summary
Council learned ARDOT's contractor estimates raised a previously authorized $350,000 allowance to roughly $450,000 for a tunnel to connect the trail under Main Street; members asked ARDOT for an engineering/construction cost breakout and considered lower-cost crosswalk alternatives pending a conceptual plan.
Council members pressed for detail after ARDOT relayed that the contractor’s cost estimate for a tunnel under Main Street had grown to approximately $450,000 — about $100,000 more than the council’s earlier authorization of up to $350,000.
Mayor said he had been informed by ARDOT contact Jason Huey that the increase reflected additional engineering and existing contract items and that the Manhattan Bridge Company had submitted the higher figure. Council members asked staff to obtain a full cost breakout (engineering vs. construction and any items already covered by the state) and a conceptual plan that would make clear what the city would be asked to pay.
Options discussed include lower-cost measures such as conspicuity signage (~$8,000), rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (~$25,000), or a hybrid pedestrian-activated signal (~$120,000). Staff outlined potential local funding sources: the sidewalk fund (currently with transfers that could raise it into the $150,000–$200,000 range after an internal transfer), a FEMA set-aside for the project, and general-fund savings or an operating loan if necessary. No binding commitment was made and the council declined to authorize the higher amount without the ARDOT cost breakdown and a conceptual drawing.
Council members emphasized safety concerns for children and trail users and asked for a timeline from ARDOT for when Main Street work would require a crossing solution. Staff said they would seek a detailed breakout from ARDOT and report back to council; members asked for a special meeting if waiting would increase costs further.
