“After such a rough winter, potholes have been a huge concern, not to mention the abundance of streets that have been in need of repair for years,” said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “I am excited about this project because it will create jobs for Gary residents, and we are working hard to pave even more streets as more funds become available.”
Rieth-Riley, selected as the lowest and most responsive contractor, was awarded the $6.4 million contract, which will be paid in three installments through 2016. Rieth-Riley will subcontract milling work to Gary business Day’s Asphalt. Gary residents will be hired to work on this project.
Earlier this year, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, several members of her leadership team and Common Council members took a field trip, driving the entire city identifying areas in need of paving. The team then came to the table with the daunting task of prioritizing the list of paving needs, while make sure that every district was included. Each council member submitted lists based on complaints they continually received from residents in their district.
“In an ideal world, we would pave every street that needs it,” said Freeman-Wilson. “We know this is not the case, but the areas that have been identified will certainly make navigating our streets a bit easier.”
Missing from the list of 55 streets to be paved is 15th Avenue, which will be paved through another project being spearheaded by the Gary Sanitary District.
The City is also in talks with neighboring communities to share in the cost of paving streets that are shared entryways. Details of these potential partnerships will be shared once agreements have been signed.