By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
WABASH, Ind. – The Wabash Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved a contract with DLZ Indiana Thursday, Feb. 16.
The contract, not to exceed $114,350, is for the 13-15 Corridor Project that is part of the Stellar projects.
Under the agreement, DLZ will be responsible for the right of way acquisition services for roadway reconstruction of South Wabash Street from Smith Street to approximately 200 feet north of Water Street.
The 13-15 corridor project seeks to make improvements similar to the rest of downtown to South Wabash Street.
Long said the fee would be paid using Stellar funding.
The latest Stellar project update in December described the project as:
- Improved State Road 13/15 transportation and streetscape components between Canal Street and north of the bridge at Smith Street.
- The character of the improvements will be similar to the rest of downtown Wabash, staying consistent with the design elements and Public Art Master Plan that have been implemented over the last few years. Serving as a gateway into Wabash, it is of the utmost importance that aesthetics are improved in this area.
- Elements that intuitively lead visitors into the heart of Wabash, such as proper access control and curb cuts, pedestrian elements including sidewalks, and storm system.
- Two 12-foot travel lanes along with a 14-foot two-way left turn lane will improve traffic flow and access control via the reconstruction of drive approaches will improve safety for pedestrians. Advanced signing will lead traffic to the heart of Wabash and motorists will be met with a new overhead gateway feature that signifies the entry into the downtown district at the south side of the bridge at ‘the cut’.
- A complete streetscape feel will be achieved which includes decorative crosswalks, various landscaping, street trees and plants, lighting, and other pedestrian streetscape amenities. Pavement markings, signage, and signals will also be modernized where necessary.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has earmarked $2.55 million for the work, with the remain coming from the City of Wabash’s 80-20 match.
Bids are expected to be let in October, with work running through 2018, when all the Stellar Projects must be completed.