McKinley/Bittersweet Intersection Improvements

The St. Joseph County Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Growth Division of Public Works (South Bend, Indiana) is requesting bids on traffic signal equipment replacement and intersection improvements at McKinley Highway and Bittersweet Road, with bids due August 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. EDT and public bid opening the same date.

The scope includes removal and installation of traffic signal heads, pedestrian signal heads with countdown displays, signal poles and foundations, detection systems, and controllers; curb ramp, sidewalk, and curb reconstruction; pavement removal and replacement with aggregate base courses; concrete work and sodding; pedestrian and school zone signage; pavement markings; and related conduit, cable, and handholes. Work covers approximately 0.1 miles and must be completed by November 30, 2026. Contractors must comply with Indiana Department of Transportation Standard Specifications and St. Joseph County Standard Specifications (1975, revised 1989).

Bid bonds or certified checks equal to 10 percent of the total bid amount are required. Upon award, contractors must submit required documentation within seven calendar days and furnish Payment, Performance, and Maintenance Bonds before commencing work — Payment and Performance Bonds at 100 percent of contract amount and Maintenance Bonds at 10 percent for up to five years from final acceptance. Insurance requirements include Owners' and Contractors' Protective Liability of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or death and $1,000,000 for property damage, with $6,000,000 aggregate for property damage; Comprehensive General Liability; Comprehensive Business Automobile Liability; and Workers' Compensation coverage.

Contractors must provide notification to Penn Harris Madison School Corporation and affected businesses with minimum seven-day advance notice of lane restrictions, maintain pedestrian routes during construction, limit lane closures to 28 consecutive days, and prohibit construction idleness exceeding seven consecutive days adjacent to restricted lanes. Questions are due August 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. noon, with addenda issued by 2:00 p.m. the following day. The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids and hold bids up to 60 calendar days from receipt.