The decade-old Underpass project in Uptown Normal has had another hitch. The contractor, Millstone-Weber, said it can't meet the requirements and construction timeline.
Millstone-Weber has pulled out.
The project would build a walkway under the train tracks in Uptown to improve passenger boarding access to both sides of the tracks. It would also provide an event space and improve flow on the Constitution Trail.
In November, the town council narrowly approved the $32 million construction cost and a financing plan that included $12 million in bond debt. That had come to the council without a lot of public discussion because of concerns about meeting a September 2027 federal grant deadline to finish the project.
“We have had positive conversations with the Federal Railroad Administration about the project completion and grant performance date. The Town continues to work toward a construction solution to advance the project,” said a town statement.
The town has turned to the second bidder on the project, P.J. Hoerr, to refresh its proposal.
“We expect to have information by end of month from P.J. Hoerr about the status of their bid and would then bring to Council for discussion in April,” said the town.
The project has a history of delays and projected cost increases.
