County Commissioners accept CCMG paving bid, discuss flooded roadways and Michigan Road bridge project

The Marshall County Commissioners tackled a busy agenda during their Monday morning meeting, focusing heavily on local infrastructure, road paving, and ongoing flooding issues across the county.

County Highway Superintendent Jason Peters led the discussions, first presenting documents related to the Community Crossing Matching Grant Program. The commissioners voted to accept the low bid of $1,243,322.95 from E & B Paving out of Rochester.

The approved paving projects will cover just over seven miles of county roadways, including:

• Muckshaw Road: From State Road 10 south to 18B Road
• 14B Road: From State Road 17 west to the county line
• 15th Road: From the railroad west to the county line
• 12B Road: From the Bourbon town limits east to U.S. 30

Peters also provided an update on the Bridge 2540 project, located on Michigan Road over the railroad tracks in LaPaz. Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for the project were posted, received, and scored by the commissioners. USI emerged as the top-ranked firm and has been officially accepted by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Peters noted that he is currently working through contract negotiations, which will be submitted to INDOT and the commissioners for final approval.

Addressing recent weather impacts, the Highway Superintendent updated the commissioners on countywide flooding. Highway crews continue to monitor various roads, and Peters reported that three roads currently remain closed to traffic:

• Nutmeg Road from 11th Road to 11B Road
• 7th Road from Hickory Road to Ironwood Road
• Douglas Road from 17B Road to 18B Road

Additionally, High Water Signs remain posted in seven areas across the county:

• Redwood Road from State Road 17 to 9th Road
• Redwood Road at 16th Road
• Redwood Road from 1st Road to the county line
• 8A Road and King Road
• Rose Road from 12th Road to 13th Road
• 1st Road and Oak Road
• 19th Road between Maple and Linden Road

Finally, Superintendent Peters explained that the Highway Department is collaborating with Jellystone Campground to resolve a persistent flooding issue at the park's entrance near Redwood Road and U.S. 30.

After consulting with INDOT, an engineer discovered old plans indicating that water in the area is actually designed to drain toward U.S. 30. To fix the issue, the county plans to tie the water into the U.S. 30 culvert, allowing it to travel east. Peters stated that the project will involve vacuuming out the area and installing a tile to accommodate the necessary depth before opening it to the culvert.