The Indiana Department of Transportation’s project to build a roundabout on Salem’s southside continues to move forward with a Jeffersonville company has been awarded a $2.1 million contract to build the project in 2021.
According to, Natalie Garrett INDOT Public Relations Director, Southeast District, E&B Paving Inc. was awarded the bid for $2,119,869.69 in September.
This is about $300,000 under the $2.4 million estimated by engineers earlier this year.
Other bids turned in were:
- Dave Omara Contractor Inc., North Vernon, IN – $2,689,327
- Mac Construction and Excavating, New Albany, IN – $2,355,000
- Ragle, Inc, Newburgh, In – $2,396,395.30
- Milestone Contractors LP, Bloomington, IN – $2,413,500
“We will know more about the contractor’s schedule and phasing once a pre-construction conference is held,” she said. “It’s anticipated that the Bypass/SR 135 will close first, then the entire intersection (Bypass and SR 60) will close to construct the central island in the center of the roundabout.”
Garrett said the project is expected to be complete in one construction season.
Phased construction is proposed with detours as follow:
• Salem Bypass / S.R. 135 will be closed first to construct most of the improvements
• Entire intersection will then be closed to complete work on S.R. 60 and central island
• Salem Bypass / S.R. 135 official truck detour will utilize S.R. 150 and S.R. 56 through the Town of Paoli
• Approximately 25 additional miles
• S.R. 135 local traffic will continue to utilize Old S.R. 135 through the City of Salem
• S.R. 60 official detour will utilize I-65 and S.R. 56
• Approximately 11 additional miles
• S.R. 60 local detour will utilize Old S.R. 60, S. Paynter Lane, and E. Botts Lane
The existing two-way stop intersection will be converted to a single-lane roundabout, which aims to enhance safety by reducing the number and severity of crashes at this location.
The proposed project includes replacing the pavement to full depth (as needed), building new approach legs leading into the roundabout.
Existing guardrails along the south side of the intersection and a portion of the existing guardrail along the north side of S.R. 60 to the east of Salem Bypass will be removed and not replaced.
New guardrail end treatments will be installed. The project proposal also includes intersection lighting.
Closures will be necessary on the Salem Bypass and S.R. 60 next year while work is in progress.
Access will be maintained to all businesses and residences along those routes.
The project was proposed earlier this year at a public hearing held at Salem City Hall where local residents and officials were invited to view plans and documents associated with the project, in addition to sharing comments during an official comment session.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabout intersections have proven to reduce fatal and injury crashes by 82 percent and eliminate vehicle conflict points within a stop-controlled intersection by 75 percent — from 32 conflict points to eight.
Roundabouts also encourage slower vehicle speeds and allow more efficient traffic flow, according to FHA.
Garrett said INDOT and the contractor will work with local businesses and residents as much as possible during construction.
Specific concerns can be sent to the customer service team at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848) or indot4u.com.
Garrett said any concerns will be relayed to the project team to be addressed.
