Road work has been completed on 161st Street just west of U.S. 31 nearly a month ahead of schedule. In coordinated efforts with the contractors, the City of Westfield was able to finish the project more than three weeks earlier than the projected Oct. 20 opening.
The contractors finished phase 1 of a long term project. Halverson Construction built an underground tunnel that will eventually connect to the Monon Trail.
“We are very pleased with our contractor, Halverson Construction, coming in three weeks ahead of schedule. This will make travel on the west side more convenient for everyone,” said Melody Jones, parks and recreation director.
The construction cost for the first phase is $264,000, but now the infrastructure is in place to build the needed retention walls at a later date when the funds are available.
“The City of Westfield took advantage of INDOT’s closure of 161st Street to save money on a future project,” said Mayor Andy Cook. “The timing was crucial as it saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars to be able to complete the first step of a long term goal. While drivers won’t notice any immediate changes at 161st Street, the project set the foundation to have a pedestrian friendly crossing in the future.”