Construction crews will be mobilizing Monday to begin construction on Market Street, between Bronson and Sherman.

This announcement was made Friday, after the Warsaw Board of Public Works approved the first payment application from NIBLOCK, contractors on the project. While the contractors requested a payment of $106,670 for work completed to this point, the customary 5 percent of the entire project, or $5,333.50 was withheld until the total completion of the project.

James Emans, city civil engineer, and Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated there is still utility work occurring, with three to four utility poles to be removed. There is also a gas main to be relocated near Sherman Street. All utility work is expected to be completed in the next several weeks.

Officials noted, with the start of the restructuring of the street, there may be total closure at some points, however, restricted travel will be prominent. The contract will notify the town when there is total road closure so the public can be notified.

Regarding other construction matters, Jeremy Skinner, city planner, presented a $64,400 increase in an interlocal agreement between the county and city for reconstruction of a bridge. The bridge is located on CR 300N, east of Madison Elementary School.

Skinner stated the agreement was entered into “a couple years ago,” but during the engineering and environmental permitting stage, additional environmental issues were found. These findings have led to an increase in the environmental permitting costs associated with the project. The $64,400 is needed to address the environmental issues.

The funds will cover wetland delineation additional survey, wetland design, permits and wetland construction and monitoring. The county is picking up 55 percent of the project cost. “This is the county’s project,” said Skinner, adding, “we’re just paying a portion.”

Skinner’s report states the increase is part of the additional bridge widening needed to accommodate a pedestrian crossing to connect the school and technology park. The funds will come from the Northern TIF District, along with the original project funding.