Politics & Government

Workers Have 24 Days to Finish Marion Corridor Construction, But May Not Finish in Time

The Marion Central Corridor Project allows subcontracting construction firms 100 days to finish before penalties kick in.

Construction on the Marion Central Corridor Project may take longer to finish than anticipated.

Nick Glew, of Anderson Bogart and Surveyors Inc., said the contractors hired for the construction will likely need more than the 100 days allowed to finish the current phase of construction, but it's unclear how much longer it will take.

Contractors have so far used around 76 of those 100 days. Once they go over, they'll be charged an additional $500 per day penalty by city officials.

Find out what's happening in Marionfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Marion and Anderson Bogart have also provided the following update for the ongoing project:

  • A combination of dry weather and added crews made available by contractors led to good paving progress this week. A twelve foot slab was poured in both the 1000 and 1100 blocks, the north curb in the 1100 block was completed, final sidewalk ramps in the 10thStreet intersection were placed, and more than half of the 11th Street intersection now has new concrete. Due to this weekend's Swamp Fox Festival, Rathje Construction Company will be required to provide minimal vehicular access through the 11th Street intersection. This access is for festival vendors only. The intersection will not be open for public vehicle use but will be open for pedestrian access to the park. The public is asked to not cross any construction fencing that will be in place during the Swamp Fox Festival. 

Find out what's happening in Marionfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Also this week, workers with began installation of brick in the 1000 block, below the Marion Depot. New planter beds below the park were filled with black dirt and irrigation was installed in half of these areas. Parking bumpers were placed in the library parking lot. These new bumpers are required because of the limestone wall that will be constructed adjacent to the lot. The bumpers will prevent vehicles from hitting the wall. This parking lot remains available for public use during construction. 

  • In the following week, contractors anticipate completing paving in the 11th Street intersection. The colored crosswalks in both the 10th & 11th Street intersections will be installed. The driveway exiting the Marion Public Library onto 6th Avenue will be poured. Brick installation will be completed in the 10th Street intersection and will continue along the north side of the 1000 block. Beginning Monday, contractors will tear out the remaining asphalt behind the Marion Mall, and install a new four foot sidewalk. Rathje Construction has indicated that this sidewalk will be complete by next Thursday, pending any weather delays. Access to the rear of these businesses will not be available. An accelerated schedule has been put in place to limit the interruptions to business. 

  • Work continues in Stages 2-4. Contractors have used approximately 76 of the allowed 100 working days. Project work is not expected to be complete within the contract time. Liquidated damages will be assessed for time to complete the work in excess of the specified limits.

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