Huntingburg Board recommends major Fourth Street repair option

The Huntingburg Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved a reconstruction plan for Fourth Street that involves installing a concrete base underneath the existing brick pavers.

This, at an estimated $692,000, represents the most expensive of five options presented by VS Engineering to address the deteriorating conditions on the downtown street.

“I think we need to do it right this time so that we don’t have to touch it again,” said Boardmember Kerry Blessinger, who initially favored asphalt but changed his position after discussions with engineers. “I’m pretty solid on my thought right now that I think we need to put concrete under the pavers.”

The decision comes after months of deliberation about how to address ruts and valleys that have formed in the roadway since the street’s completion in 2020. Traffic impact from stopping and accelerating at intersections has caused significant deterioration of the paver surface at these junctions.

The approved option involves removing all existing brick pavers, installing a full concrete base underneath the entire length of travel lanes, and then relaying the bricks on top. Engineers estimate the reconstruction will provide an estimated lifespan exceeding 50 years with regular maintenance.

“Design life and maintenance in the long term” were the primary factors that influenced his decision, said Boardmember Keith Souders, who also switched from supporting asphalt to the concrete-and-brick option.

Mayor Neil Elkins acknowledged the financial challenge posed by the decision, noting that the city has approximately $400,000 available across various funds, including $139,902 in endowment funds. Any costs exceeding that amount will require additional funding plans and council approval.

“Anything we approve today that’s more than that, we’d have to have a plan of how we’re going to fund that over,” Elkins said. “And it’s not going to happen this year or next year.”

The mayor also emphasized that state funds and Community Crossings grants cannot be used for brick street projects, limiting the city’s funding options to local sources. He also explained that the city received considerably less funding for streets this year, and that the lost revenue from the gas tax holiday could also affect funding for street work.

Street Superintendent Jason Stamm noted that while the concrete-and-brick option costs more upfront, it offers advantages for future utility work. When utilities need to cut into the street, contractors can pour concrete back, add a thin layer of rock, and replace the bricks without visible scarring.

“You’ll never see it. You’ll never see a utility cut,” Blessinger said, contrasting this with concrete-only options that would show permanent patching differences.

The board had considered five alternatives ranging from targeted repairs to complete surface replacement. The least expensive option involved installing concrete pads only at critical stopping areas for approximately $200,000 less than the chosen alternative.

A complete asphalt replacement would have cost significantly less but would have offered only a 30-year lifespan, compared to the 50-plus years expected from the concrete base option, and the street aesthetic would have been affected. Standard concrete replacement carried similar longevity but raised aesthetic concerns about visible utility cuts and color matching over time.

Board members expressed particular concern about the impact on Fourth Street merchants during construction. The street serves as a destination for shopping and dining rather than a thoroughfare, making business disruption a key consideration.

“The biggest concern, I think, is you’re going to shut the street down. It’s going to definitely affect them,” Blessinger said after meeting with merchants. “Things are slow, very slow right now from what I’m hearing and seeing.”

The board explored options for keeping one lane open during construction to minimize business impact. Stamm indicated this approach is possible but would present safety concerns due to substantial drop-offs on the construction side and potential traffic hazards.

Any phased construction approach would likely increase costs due to additional restrictions and requirements placed on contractors, Elkins told the board.

The mayor said that an aggressive project timeline would target completion in 2027, allowing time for engineering work, bid processes, and funding arrangements with the city council. Officials plan to avoid construction during busy event periods, including the Daffodil Stroll, Jazz Festival, and other Fourth Street activities scheduled for spring months.

The reconstruction, reportedly supported by several merchants, will restore the street’s ability to host parades and other community events that have been limited by current surface conditions. Officials noted that the deteriorated pavers create tripping hazards and prevent safe use for large community gatherings.

Boardmember Dustin Schmett emphasized the long-term perspective driving the decision, suggesting that proper construction now will outlast current board members’ tenure.

“I think by the time if we get this project done, by the time it needs anything else, we’re all going to be gone,” he said.

The board will work with the city council to finalize funding arrangements and begin the engineering and bidding process for the 2027 construction timeline.

Mayor Elkins joked the city had spent less time discussing the $42 million wastewater facility upgrades than the options for fixing Fourth Street.

He reiterated that it was an important decision for the merchants.

“This isn’t impacting the city’s budget as much as it’s impacting the budgets of the merchants on Fourth Street,” he said.