Plymouth awarded $2.6 million INDOT Grant for Oak Drive Sidewalk Project

The City of Plymouth has been awarded a major grant for infrastructure improvements that will enhance pedestrian safety along a key corridor near Washington Elementary School.

City Engineer Dan Sellers announced Monday evening that the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded Plymouth $2,615,120 for the construction and construction engineering of a sidewalk project on Oak Drive.

The project will extend sidewalks south from U.S. 30 along Oak Drive to State Road 17 (Lake Avenue). GIANT fm WTCA first reported the grant award on February 19.

According to Sellers, sidewalks are currently proposed for both sides of Oak Drive from Jefferson Street north to U.S. 30. From Jefferson Street south to State Road 17, sidewalks will be constructed only on the east side of the street.

"All is subject to change based on actual surveying and engineering and expected federal funding appropriations," Sellers cautioned.

The city engineer estimated construction will take six to 10 months to complete.

Mayor Robert Listenberger called the grant "great news," but noted that construction is still several years away.  "Construction wouldn't begin until the second half of 2030 or the first half of 2031," the mayor said. "This is a little way out, but that's how it works. You apply today for a project five years from now."

The federal project operates on an 80/20 funding split. The city's portion for construction and construction engineering is anticipated to be approximately $640,000.

An early coordination meeting was held on Wednesday, and the city will soon be seeking Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for preliminary engineering and right-of-way services.

Basic conceptual drawings of the project will be uploaded to the Public Works page on the City of Plymouth website soon.