MORE: Road extension will give drivers easier access to I-75, Ohio 4
Spinney said the latest engineer’s estimate was about $2.51 million to construct the extension, a project that the cities of Middletown and Monroe have been working on for the past few years and that is being coordinated by BCTID. This is in addition to more than $492,000 that has already been spent for right of way, design and engineering costs.
He said the lowest bid was $1.81 million that was submitted by Kelchner, Inc.
“It was well below the engineer’s estimate by about $600,000,” Spinney said. “Everybody was happy about that. The grant money should cover most of it.”
Spinney expects to award the contract at Monday’s BCTID meeting.
Once the contract is awarded, Spinney said the contract should be signed by the end of February with construction scheduled to begin on April 1, weather permitting. He expects the project to be completed by years-end.
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The extension will align with Yankee Road and will provide a straight route for truck and commercial traffic to and from Middletown between Todhunter Road and Ohio 63 for easier access to Ohio 4 and Interstate 75. The extension will enable semi-trucks to avoid a railroad crossing as well as the area around Monroe High School and Junior High school.
Currently, traffic follows Yankee Road, which doglegs to and from Todhunter Road.
Monroe officials said they were very pleased with the bids that were received by the BCTID for the project.
“The project represents an important piece of our overall infrastructure plan,” said City Manager William Brock said. “The effort and cooperation by the TID, the City of Middletown and the land owners working toward this project with us shows how we all can work together to benefit the area as a whole.”
Brock said, “The ability for industrial traffic to have a more direct route to State Route 63 improves traffic flow and eliminates a concern that we have had with mixing traffic on Yankee Road in front of Monroe Local Schools. We are excited that this can occur by the end of the year.”
Middletown City Manager Doug Adkins agreed and said the city enjoys a good working relationship with Monroe.
“We are glad to see this project come to fruition to benefit the entire region,” Adkins said. “The recession taught all of us that working together to mutual advantage extends the limited resources available in both communities. This project will benefit the economic base of both Middletown and Monroe and the two communities continue to discuss other potential collaborations in public safety and transportation that could further strengthen both communities.”
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