Remember that new traffic signal planned for 116th Street and Lakeridge Drive (just West  of Olio Road)?  That’s the stop light Kroger offered to pay for as the new store is being constructed in that area.  That is also the traffic signal that will allow a new Starbucks to open near the planned light.

Jeff Hill, Director of Engineering for the City of Fishers, told the Board of Public Works and Safety Monday afternoon that bids for the traffic signal came in much higher than expected.  The low bid of $468,768.35 from Signal Construction, Inc. was above the Engineer’s Estimate of $390,313.50.  Hill blamed a busy construction schedule for traffic signal contractors for the high bid number.

Hill recommended the job be rebid, expecting lower bid numbers for a project to be completed by March of 2017.  The board rejected the bids, allowing the rebidding process to begin.

Mayor Scott Fadness questioned Hill about the planned opening date of the Starbucks, and whether the possibility of the coffee shop opening before the traffic signal is installed causes him any concern.  Hill said he will work with Starbucks on their planned opening date next year.

In other actions by the Board of Works:

–Changes to the city speed limit and parking schedules were approved.  Most speed limit changes are on Burberry Place, reducing speeds to 25 miles per hour.  Parking changes will mostly impact the downtown area around City Hall.  For a full listing of the changes in the city traffic schedules, use this link.

–The board approved moving forward with installing flashing light signals, including 37 locations at 20 total schools within the HSE school district. Fishers was awarded Highway Safety Improvement Program money for 2020.   This design funding of $77,315 is local money only, and is not eligible for federal funding. Construction of the signals will be financed with 90% Federal dollars and 10% local.  If the federal funds become available before 2020, Hill told the board this action will allow the project to move forward quickly.  Mayor Scott Fadness said he wants all school zones to have identical speed limits and hours that speed limit is effective.

–Tracy Gaynor, Director of Information Technology for the city, received board approval to consolidate wireless technology contracts with Verizon.