Elkhart-Mount Pulaski blacktop roadwork ready to go         

[AUG. 9, 2006]  Work could begin as soon as next week on County Highway 10, commonly known as the Elkhart-Mount Pulaski blacktop, as issues have been resolved and work is set to begin. According to county engineer Bret Aukamp the work includes resurfacing the deteriorating stretch of roadway on Elkhart Hill and reconstruction of two intersections, one at 700th Street and one at 800th Avenue. The projects will be performed at the same time, with equipment staying in the area, Aukamp said.

The intersections will be redesigned to accommodate trucks that need more maneuvering space. The road is heavily used by trucks transporting coal from Viper Mine near Elkhart.

Both projects were delayed by property issues. Concerns over the condition and ownership/responsibility of the historic Elkhart bridge that crosses the roadway have been temporarily laid aside.

Negotiations to acquire property around the intersections were completed last month.

The county board approved bids for three projects in the area at their July 18 session, but according to new Illinois Department of Transportation regulations, one week now has to lapse before the bids are accepted and let out.

Low bidder for the resurfacing work was Illinois Valley Paving of Springfield at $224,679.90.

Low bidder for the intersections was Merrill Contractors, Springfield, at $62,694.

A bid was also accepted to repair a bridge on 1400th Avenue. The project is a shared 80-10-10 split between IDOT, Logan County and Mount Pulaski Township. The bid was awarded to Smith Contractors, Mount Zion, in the amount of $85,102.

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