Bids on two sets of Allen County road resurfacing projects have come in at less than 60% of engineers’ estimated costs – leaving the County with more money from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for more resurfacing jobs.

Brooks Construction of Fort Wayne was the low bidder for both contracts.  Brooks’ two bids totaled $2.3 million – 57% of the engineer’s $4 million estimate.  The projects involve 26 miles of County highway and include resurfacing of 5.6 miles of West Hamilton Road from US 24 to Bass Road and 3.3 miles of Bass from West County Line to Scott Road.

Allen County was originally allotted approximately $3.7 million in ARRA funds through the Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC).  With the bids on the resurfacing projects coming in so low, the County has $1.4 million of the original allotment left for more road work.

“We’re thrilled with these very competitive, low bids and look forward to submitting additional roads to use up our surplus funds from the first round of bidding,” said County Commissioner Linda Bloom.  “The ARRA program will move us at least three years ahead in road resurfacing.”

The County is also seeking additional ARRA funds for other highway-related projects, including the Bostick Road Bridge, guardrail improvements and other resurfacing work.

Click here to see a complete list of the projects.