Authority authorizes bidding for Wisconsin Street bridge project that will raise roadway and remove bait shop

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority voted to accept plans and authorize advertisement for bids on the Wisconsin Street bridge project. Chair presided over the motion, which was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Presenter (project staff) told the board the work includes demolition of an existing bait shop and construction changes that will raise the south side of the roadway about 3½ feet, add a sidewalk on one side and install matching handrails and guardrails. "The south side of the bait shop is going to be raised up about 3 and a half feet," the Presenter said, noting the roadway will only be slightly widened.

Staff said a revised cost estimate and plans were circulated to the board; the project was described in the packet as near $3,100,000 but staff said final funding shares remain under review. Presenter said the project advertisement would be published shortly and run for approximately four weeks with a pre-bid meeting midway through the bid window.

Presenter said funding responsibilities had been discussed with the county and that the county had requested roughly a 50/50 split; staff said utilities (electric, telecom) and American Water would pay separate relocation costs identified in a line-item breakout. Staff also said some grant opportunities (Illinois River Basin) were pursued but not yet confirmed.

The board approved the motion to accept plans, specifications and to authorize bidding. The board is expected to review bid results at a future meeting once proposals are received.