The first construction segment of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path, will be let this spring. The first segment runs along Alabama Street, starting at North Street and continuing down to Market Street.
As planned, the 7.5-mile trail will connect five downtown Indianapolis cultural districts — Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Avenue, The Canal & White River State Park, and Wholesale District. In addition, the trail will connect with the Monon Trail via Mass Avenue at 10th Street, allowing visitors easy access to Broad Ripple Village from downtown.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is made possible by a public and private collaboration led by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, the city of Indianapolis and several not-for-profit organizations. Preliminary site plans are featured on the trail's website at www.indyculturaltrail.org.
TRAC Approves Draft List
In Columbus, Ohio, The Transportation ReviewAdvisory Council (TRAC) has approved the draft list of major new projects for 2008-2013. The list includes $60.2 million for the development of two new major projects and the construction of four new projects. The draft project list will be subject to a public comment period before TRAC votes on the final list.
New projects advanced for construction include the Akron Multimodal Transportation Center, the widening of State Route 104 in Ross County, the Interstate 77/County Road 80 interchange project in Tuscarawas County, and the first phase of the Portsmouth Bypass in Scioto County.
INDOT Awards Asphalt Producers
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has recognized several Hoosier companies as Outstanding Hot Mix Asphalt Producers for the 2006 construction season. The overall outstanding producer for the state of Indiana in 2006 is Rieth-Riley Construction Co. Winners in each INDOT district include: Northwest — Rieth-Riley Construction Co., LaPorte; Northeast — Meshberger Brothers Stone Corp., Decatur; West Central — Milestone Contractors, Lafayette; East Central — Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Indianapolis; Southwest — Wabash Valley Asphalt Co., Sullivan; and Southeast — Dave O'Mara Contractors Inc., Greensburg.
The Indiana Certified Hot Mix Asphalt program allows producers to take responsibility for all aspects of asphalt production. Certified producers follow a quality control plan, and the production, sampling and testing procedures outlined in the plan are carefully monitored by INDOT.
Pulaski County Projects
Kentucky has announced nearly $74 million in funding for numerous projects in Pulaski County. Projects include $25.2 million for construction of a new interchange at the intersection of U.S. 27, KY 1247 and KY 90; $21.8 million for widening of a 4.3-mile section of U.S. 27 from Norwood Road to Bull Road, and $19.3 million for construction of Section 1 of the Southwest Bypass from U.S. 27 (opposite the existing East Bypass), west to Oak Hill Road.
Indy Hotel
Indianapolis has selected a 25-story JW Marriott Hotel to be the flagship hotel for an expanded Indiana Convention Center. The city wants the hotel to open in time for the March 2010 Final Four men's college basketball championships, to be held in Indianapolis.
Mixed-Use Development
Contegra Construction Co. is rapidly advancing three retail buildings totaling 52,750 square feet as part of The Shoppes at Seven Oaks mixed development at 13601 Big Bend in Valley Park, Mo. The buildings comprise the retail component of the $20-million project being developed by TB Realty and Taylor Morley Homes Inc. It is scheduled for completion this summer.
Alberici Headquarters Recognized
The Sierra Club, America's oldest and largest environmental organization, has named the Alberici Constructors headquarters in Overland, Mo., as one of America's best new development projects. With a design guided by the team at sustainable consulting firm Vertegy, the building is being recognized for its innovative approach to protect one of our most precious natural resources — water. It is one of 10 projects featured in "Building Better II: A Guide to America's Best New Development Projects 2006."
Ethanol Plant
The Vermillion County Economic Development Council says Morning Star Energy will build a $180-million ethanol plant near Clinton, Ind. Morning Star will begin construction in the first quarter of 2007. The plant will produce 100 million gallons per year.
