LIMA — After a short time of delay, the Allen County engineer re-entered into a contract with Allied Construction, LLC to complete the Tar & Chip Program.
The office hires a contractor to aid in its annual projects but this year some things changed. Allied Construction, LLC is contracted with counties around the state of Ohio to fix the state’s roadways. Just before beginning in Allen County, some workers became sick with COVID.
The project in Allen County became delayed for a time. Roadway Engineer David Louth reports the construction workers are officially well and ready to move forward.Tar & Chip programs help to extend the life of roadways by adding tar and stones on top.
Construction was set to be completed by Sept. 16. Allied Construction was unable to begin nor complete the work by the fall season. According to Louth, the Ohio Department of Transportation recommends completing Tar & Chip projects before then. The resolution was amended by the Allen County commissioners to accept the new bid and begin construction next year.
“Allied Construction, LLC has agreed to come back in the spring,” said Louth. “When weather conditions are favorable and complete the project. There are four townships involved and they have all agreed to that as well. We will modify the contract to extend it. The new completion date will be June 30.”
The project will include Allen County with Bath, Shawnee, Perry and American Townships around the City of Lima. The estimated cost is $301,633 with contributions from each party.
In addition to roadway restoration, the Allen County commissioners passed the resolution Thursday morning to begin the search for an architect. The commissioners hope to create a building in downtown Lima for the veterans office. The new building will contain the vans that transport veterans.
“We are looking for somewhere to construct a stand-alone building like a garage,” said Brian Winegardner, Allen County commissioner. “Where they can put their buses in to keep them out of the weather. We also want a lobby area where veterans can come in that are waiting for the van drivers.”
The architect will inform the commissioners of the estimated cost of the project. The plan is to use concrete material to construct and build on the corner of Union and Wayne in Lima.
