The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has approved a construction contract for improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and Meridian Road just west of Fountaintown.

The Erber and Milligan Construction Company of Charleston submitted a low bid of $978,444 for the Hancock County project. There were 11 bidders.

The work includes pavement repair and replacement on U.S. 52 with the addition of a center lane to be used as left turn lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic approaching Meridian Road.

Meanwhile, a lengthy resurfacing project will start soon on U.S. 52 — from Post Road in Indianapolis to CR 500 East at Morristown.

Milestone Contractors of Columbus will begin full-depth patching in about two weeks. Milling and resurfacing operations will follow starting at the east terminis.

The $2,381.687 project refurbishes a 17.69 mile section of U.S. 52 with exceptions at New Palestine and Meridian Road, which will experience roadbed construction under separate contracts.

The resurfacing and intersection work should be completed by mid-summer 2008.