HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpening of Proposals - Coal Line Trail Phase 3 Proj No 123-007 - United ConsultingUNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 1
COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE
MICHAEL ROWE, PE
Principal Contact
President
TERRY MINIX
Business Development Client Liaison
OFFICE: 317-895-2585
CELL: 317-450-0115
EMAIL: michael.rowe@ucindy.com
OFFICE: 317-895-2585
CELL: 574-207-3543
EMAIL: terry.minix@ucindy.com
■ OFFICE LOCATION
8440 Allison Pointe Blvd., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46250
■ PRINCIPAL CONTACT
■ PROJECT LIAISON
■ VALUES FOCUSED. CLIENT DRIVEN.
PUT UNITED’S
VALUES TO
WORK FOR YOU.
■ Leadership built on integrity.
■ Talent driven by excellence.
■ Service centered around caring.
■ Success by working together.
16x
United Consulting appreciates the opportunity to submit our Letter of Interest for
construction inspection services for the City of South Bend Coal Line Trail Phase III –
Lincolnway West to Linden Avenue Project. After visiting the site and reviewing the plans,
we developed an approach centered on three priorities: delivering the project on
schedule, within budget, and to your expectations.
■OPEN COMMUNICATION
Our recent South Bend Kennedy Avenue Safe Routes to School project
reflects our commitment to clear, consistent communication with City
staff, efficient project management, and delivering quality infrastructure
improvements while safeguarding the City's budget through careful
planning and cost control. United has demonstrated to the City how our
process ensures you are informed, involved, and confident in the project’s
progress. From the preconstruction meeting — which aligns the contractor
and subcontractors on expectations — to weekly progress reports with
photos, bi-weekly on-site meetings, and the final walk through, our project
manager will keep you fully informed every step of the way.
■SCHEDULE – BUDGET – QUALITY
United is recognized for completing projects on time and within budget.
Our project manager actively oversees the contractor and subcontractors
to maintain schedule discipline and reduce the potential for change
orders. By ensuring that work adheres to plans and specifications, we help
safeguard quality and prevent cost overruns, providing a finished product
that meets South Bend’s expectations.
■OUR COMMITMENT
United has a proven record of delivering successful construction
inspection projects across Indiana since 1965. Our firm’s leadership, project
management, and business development team share a commitment to
responsiveness, accountability, and collaboration. You can count on us to
manage this project with the same dedication that has earned our clients’
trust statewide.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss our construction inspection plan
in more detail and demonstrate how selecting United will provide South
Bend with a high-quality, well-managed trail project.
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 2
CLIENT SUPPORT PROJECT MANAGEMENT / DELIVERY
Team Organization
The right Staff for the job.
Michael Rowe, PE
Principal Contact
PRESIDENT
AUTHORIZED CONTRACT NEGOTIATOR
Brian Miller
Construction Inspection Department
DEPARTMENT MANAGER
Terry Minix
Project Liaison
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE
TEAM MEMBER FIRM PARTICIPATION
100%
UNITED IS COMMITTEDTO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND.
Our Project Manager,
Owen Yeadon is
100% committed to
completing active tasks
throughout the contract
length of this project.50%UNITED’S 2026 CONTRACT CAPACITY
United currently has 50% of our firm’s contracting capacity
available for new projects.
United’s Project Manager (Owen Yeadon) and his Inspection
Staff are 100% dedicated to this project which is expected to
use 8% of their overall capacity.
PROJECT MANAGER AND TEAM CAPACITY
8%
Service: 13.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 %United Consulting
CITY OF
SOUTHBEND
BRAUN RODGERS, PE
Field Operations ManagerTechnical Support
OWEN YEADON
Project Manager
BLAKE GRIBBEN
Assistant Project Manager
CAITLIN WYATProject Engineer
SOUTH BEND RESIDENT
JAKE GAUL
Inspector / As-Needed
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 3
OWEN YEADON
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION
PROJECT MANAGER
3+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Education
Trine University
■BS Design Engineering
Certifications
■ INDOT’s Certified Technician
Program – Certified in All Areas
■ INDOT’s Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction
■OSHA - Confined Space Entry
Course
■OSHA 30-Hour Training Course
■First Aid and CPR Training
■Proficiency in Site Manager
O: (317) 895-2585 M: (260) 330-4212 E: owen.yeadon@ucindy.com
Owen will serve in a multifaceted role on this project, combining on-site project management, cost-saving strategy, inspection, and communications expertise.
Drawing on his recent South Bend experience, Owen will proactively identify potential issues before they escalate, providing timely, cost-effective recommendations to keep the project on track.
He will ensure all stakeholders are kept fully informed of any project impacts, supporting the City’s vision and maintaining the project schedule.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
SOUTH BEND OUR LADY OF HUNGARY SCHOOL
CLIENT: City of South Bend APPROXIMATE CONSTRUCTION COST: $800,000
Construction Project Manager: The project focused on
enhancing sidewalks and curb ramps along key walking
routes to schools within the Rum Village neighborhood.
Improvements extended westward from Olive Street to
Main Street and northward along Ewing Street to Indiana
Street. Upgrades at over 15 major intersections included
the construction of ADA-compliant ramps, adjustments
to stormwater systems, and improvements to alley and
driveway transitions to ensure safer and more accessible
pedestrian crossings.
NOBLE BRIDGE 136 / COUNTY ROAD 400 E OVER CSX RAILROAD
CLIENT: Noble County APPROXIMATE CONSTRUCTION COST: $2,600,000
Construction Project Manager: Owen completed this
bridge replacement carrying CR 400 E over CSX railroad
in November 2024. High train volume and unsuitable soil
made this one of the County’s most complex projects. A new
prestressed concrete bulb-tee bridge replaced the existing
three-span truss bridge. The project used 60,000 cubic
yards of borrow to construct the new roadway approaches.
Construction was completed on time and under budget.
United provided the design and construction inspection.
KENNEDY AVENUE ROAD DIET
CLIENT: City of Hammond, Indiana APPROXIMATE CONSTRUCTION COST: $4,200,000
Construction Project Manager: The Road Diet project presented unique challenges due to the high number of businesses and residences along this busy stretch of Kennedy Avenue. Despite these complexities—including extensive utility coordination—the City of Hammond and the United team completed the project on schedule. Owen worked closely with the contractor’s traffic control supervisor, recommending alternative maintenance of traffic phasing. This approach not only resulted in a superior finished product but also ensured the project remained on schedule.
PROFICIENT IN DPW CIP PROFICIENT IN INDOT AWP
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 4
BRAUN RODGERS, PECONSTRUCTION INSPECTION FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER
O: (317) 895-2585 M: (812) 592-0562 E: braun.rodgers@ucindy.com
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
PROFICIENT IN DPW CIP PROFICIENT IN INDOT AWP
CHARLESTOWN ROAD COMPLETE STREETS MULTI-USE TRAIL
CLIENT: Floyd County, Indiana APPROXIMATE CONSTRUCTION COST: $3,000,000
Field Operations Manager: The Charlestown Road Complete Streets Multi-use Trail is a 10-foot-wide, shared-use, asphalt pathway spanning 1.3 miles in length beginning east of Lewis Endres Parkway on Charlestown Road and extending to County Line Road/Lawrence Meyer Road. The alignment of the trail follows along the north side of Charlestown Road, crossing Jacobs Creek just west of Brookhaven Road. A new truss bridge structure is being constructed over Jacobs Creek as part of the project. Along each approach to the new truss bridge, there will be new MSE walls constructed to minimize area impacted surrounding elevation change from the trail up to the bridge.
This fun and safe connector will unite parks, residential neighborhoods, restaurants, and local businesses throughout.14+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Braun will provide additional oversight for this project, ensuring quality control and familiarity throughout the construction process.
His experience will enable him to identify potential issues proactively and provide timely recommendations for cost-effective solutions.
EDUCATIONBS, CIVIL ENGINEERINGPurdue University
Certifications
■PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERIndiana; PE11600321
■INDOT Certified Technician Program - Certified in All Areas
■INDOT Quality Assurance Certified
■INDOT Certified Bridge Inspection Team Leader
■OSHA Confined Space Entry Course
■INDOT Storm Water Management
BLAKE GRIBBENCONSTRUCTION INSPECTION ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
O: (317) 895-2585 M: (260) 571-9711 E: blake.gribben@ucindy.com
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
PROFICIENT IN DPW CIP PROFICIENT IN INDOT AWP
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL AT MUESSEL PRIMARY/HOLY CROSS
CLIENT: South Bend, Indiana APPROXIMATE CONSTRUCTION COST: $1,632,000
Construction Project Manager: This project will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility for students and the community by upgrading sidewalks and ADA ramps to current standards. Scheduled for June–August 2026, construction is timed with the school’s summer break to minimize disruption. United provides construction inspection, ensuring effective communication, cost control, and stakeholder coordination. These enhancements will create safer routes for children walking or biking to school and provide lasting benefits for students and local residents.
KENNEDY AVENUE ROAD DIET
CLIENT: Hammond, Indiana APPROXIMATE CONSTRUCTION COST: $4,300,000
Assistant Project Manager: Kennedy Avenue Road from 164th Place to the Indiana Toll Road in Hammond underwent a multi-phase Road Diet transformation. This project converted the existing four-lane roadway into a two-lane corridor with dedicated bike lanes, turn lanes, and parking stalls. Additional enhancements included upgraded drainage, new sidewalks, rain gardens, and fresh pavement. United Consulting provided construction inspection services for the City of Hammond.
1+ YEAR EXPERIENCE
Blake's recent South Bend experience and familiarity with the area will be an asset to this project. He has established a rapport with City representatives and understands what South Bend expects to achieve from its infrastructure improvement projects as well as the work flows and processes the City implements to achieve success.
EDUCATION
BS, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Purdue University
Certifications
■INDOT Certified Technician Program - Certified in All Areas
■INDOT Quality Assurance Certified
■INDOT Site Manager Proficiency
■First Aid and CPR Training
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 5
Project Approach: PROJECT OVERVIEW
The United team is uniquely qualified to provide construction inspection services for the Coal Line Trail Phase
III project, having designed Phase I of the Coal Line Trail. This experience provides valuable knowledge of the corridor, design intent, and the City's vision, allowing us to provide consistent oversight as the trail network
continues to expand.
COAL LINE TRAIL - PHASE I / DESIGNED BY UNITED (SEE PAGE 10)
Our inspectors will work closely with the City, contractor, and project stakeholders to ensure construction is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the plans, specifications, and applicable standards.
Particular attention will be given to the quality and functionality of key project elements :
■11-foot shared-use trail
■raised pedestrian crossings
■curb and driveway replacements
■pavement restoration
■ornamental lighting
■street trees
■benches
■wayfinding
■signage
Because Phase III is located within the Historic Near West Side neighborhood, we will also focus on maintaining access for residents and businesses while minimizing construction impacts.
Our familiarity with the Coal Line Trail corridor, combined with our construction inspection experience and commitment to proactive communication, will help ensure the project is delivered in accordance with the City's expectations for quality, safety, and long-term performance.
COAL LINE TRAIL - PHASE III PROJECT AREAEXISTING CONDITIONS
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 6
Project Approach: CRITICAL ITEMS / IMPACTED BUSINESSES
SUNRISECAFE DIA & FAMILYAUTO & TIRE
MARATHONGAS
VIDA NUEVASOUTH BENDCHURCH OF GOD
VALLEYTRANSMISSION
NEWJERUSALEMMB CHURCH
REALITYHAIRCONCEPTS
G & N WAREHOUSE & FABRICATING
MARTIN LUTHER KING JUNIORCOMMUNITY CENTER
MLK DREAM CENTER
RUPEL STRUPEL ST
LINCO
L
N
W
A
Y
W
LINCO
L
N
W
A
Y
W
FASSNACHT AVEFASSNACHT AVE
ORANGE STORANGE ST COLLEGE STCOLLEGE STPROJECTSTART
PROJECTEND
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 7
Project Approach: LOCATION / MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC
IMPORTANT ITEMS
■The project is scheduled for a February 10, 2027 INDOT letting date.
■Coal Line Trail is anticipated to be constructed using lane restrictions while maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction on
College Street.
■A pedestrian detour will be required for the west side of College Street where the existing sidewalk is located in order to
construct the new Coal Line Trail.
United will work closely with the contractor’s Certified Traffic Control Supervisor to ensure they submit all weekly sign
and barricade reports properly and on time. Daily monitoring of all signs and barricades, as well as the detour route,
will be necessary to maintain a safe travel environment. United’s Owen Yeadon will also make personal contact with
all impacted residents ans businesses located within the project limits and provide contact information in case there
are any questions or concerns for the project duration. This personal contact communication procedure has been
successfully utilized on our past Trail projects.
See previous page (6) of this LOI for additional critical construction items / impacted businesses map.
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 8
Project Approach: CLIENT COMMUNICATION
At United, we strive to exceed our client’s expectations. In this pursuit, we have constructed our
communication plan to be fully transparent from day one, so there are no surprises along the way.
CLIENT PROJECT ACTION PLAN
The intent of our action plan is to provide a strategic overview—for all project stakeholders—of the essential actions and responsibilities required to support successful project delivery.
An on-site presence by our Resident Project Representative (RPR) or Inspector is required whenever work is active. Their time will be split between the field and site office, minimizing corporate office time to stay current on federal aid paperwork and records. Field staff will have ongoing access to technical support, including direct contact with design staff and utility coordinators.
At minimum, weekly check-ins are our standard. We’ll provide weekly progress reports every Monday summarizing completed work. An example of a progress report is provided on page 9. Weekly or bi-weekly progress meetings (based on client preference) will be held until project completion, with agendas sent 24 hours in advance. Our Construction or Field Operations Manager will attend as needed, and all staffing matters will be discussed openly. Meeting minutes will be delivered within three calendar days.
All key documents, including contractor pay estimates and the current IC 642, will be shared for client records. Throughout the project, we encourage open communication regarding schedules, budget, construction concerns, or other issues.
OUR CLEAR +COMPREHENSIVE
PROACTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADDRESSING PUBLIC CONCERNS FORMS OF
COMMUNICATION
Anticipating challenges before
they arise is always our goal.
Should an issue occur, we have
procedures in place to resolve
these unforeseen conditions
quickly and cost effectively.
We realize the importance of
utilizing information identified
in public outreach meetings
to communicate with multiple
stakeholders through the
construction process.
We understand that addressing
public items of concern are
key in delivering a successful
project, while at the same time
gaining and maintaining the
support of the community.
To ensure effective and timely
communication, our team
tailors the contact method
based on the recipient, urgency
of the information, and
preferred communication style.
The project manager will contact the client and designer if there is a question on the design, and present solutions based on their experience and the designer’s intent. If there is a field construction issue, the project manager will work directly with the contractor to efficiently solve any problems at the project level.
These will vary per project scope, but many frequent entitiesincludeSite Development and Redevelopment Projects, Transit Authorities, Emergency Services, Schools and Training Facilities, Churches, Commercial Businesses, Residents, and Property Owners, Municipality Services, Utilities, and Design/Funding/Ownership teams.
Several such common concerns are Public Business and Drive Access During Construction, Street Lighting, Flooding and Stormwater Control, Trees and Greenspaces, Coordination Planning Across Multiple Projects, Construction Work Hours, Site Access for Public and Emergency Services, and Retaining Wall Maintenance.
Some of which include Public Outreach Meetings to discuss schedule and mobilization, On-Site Progress Meetings with the contractor and utilities, a dedicated project email and Google Voice number for the inspection team or contractor to answer questions, and regular reports with photos for client website and social media updates.
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 9
Project Approach: COST CONTROL
Monthly monitoring and updates on the project budget will ensure cost control. Preparing the contractor’s bi-monthly pay applications on time, in
comparison to planned quantities and projected costs of future work, will keep the project on budget.
Keep change orders below 3%Research all claims and
provide cost effective solutions
Presents solutions instead of
problems to the City
Reduce project delays Solve construction related issues at the project level Respectfully reduces the time City staff commits to project concerns
Protect the project budget Verify quantities daily and discuss at progress meetings Keeps City of South Bend aware of the budget
Utility coordination Invite impacted utilities to all progress meetings Reduces impacts to project schedule
PROJECT COST CONTROL GOALS ACHIEVEMENT PROCESS BENEFITS TO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
Intermediate Completion:
Week Starting: Final Completion Date:
Week Ending:Contract Amount:
Contractor:Cost Incurred to Date:
Tasks Completed
Project Complete1,659,900.00$
1,504,733.88$
8/14/2026
49%
91%
South Bend Muessel Primary Holy Cross Safe Routes
19Report No:
7/26/2026 12/1/2026
Time Elapsed
8/1/2026
Milestone
Monday, 7/27: Milestone finished right-of-way removals and poured sidewalk and approach concrete on Vassar Ave.
Tuesday, 7/28: Milestone prepared subgrade for Vassar/Wilbur curb ramps, and poured curb, curb ramp, and sidewalk concrete on Cleveland and Vassar Ave.
Wednesday, 7/29: Milestone spread topsoil and poured curb ramp/sidewalk concrete on Vassar Ave, Cleveland Ave, and California Ave.
Thursday, 7/30: Milestone spread topsoil on Vassar Ave, laid brick at curb ramps, milled curb ramp and approach areas for HMA, and poured curb ramp concrete on Vassar and California Ave. Friday, 7/31: Milestone installed HMA around curb ramps and approaches on Vassar and California Ave, poured curb ramps on Vassar Ave/Wilbur St, and laid brick
at curb ramps near Muessel Elementary School.
Upcoming Schedule
Construction ManagerBlake Gribben
Prepared by:
Week of 8/2: Milestone will finish all concrete pours, continue installing brick around Muessel Elementary School, and place HMA and topsoil throughout Vassar
and California Ave.
1
UPDATED
REPORTS
Along with the site manager reports,
weekly progress reports, including
key pictures of current activities, will
be provided to the City of South Bend.
These updates can be distributed to
all affected stakeholders.
EXAMPLE WEEKLY REPORT
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 10
Experience: LESSONS LEARNED / ADDED VALUE
TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
United Consulting has a long-standing reputation for designing and implementing the construction of multi-use trails and
walkways and has worked with several communities throughout Indiana to transform their visions into realities. In many ways
our client’s visions are an extension of how United believes in doing business – improving the present while paying attention
to and preserving our character. That’s why we believe that United is your best choice to helping you achieve your trail vision,
whether our involvement be in providing services for design, land acquisition, right-of-way, utility relocation, or construction
inspection.
Our most notable work was performed as the lead engineering consultant for the eight-mile-long Cultural Trail in the heart of
downtown Indianapolis. During this five-year-long project, United was primarily responsible for trail design, traffic engineering,
public safety, utility relocations, coordination, and wayfinding. Our efforts delivering the Cultural Trail included a broad range
of services that were so successful, they are the basis to which we apply on other similar trail projects throughout Indiana that
require the same attention to detail.
UNITED HAS 20+ YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL PEDESTRIAN TRAIL BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND
DESIGN EXPERIENCE!
FAMILIARITY WITH THE COAL LINE TRAIL (PHASE I)
■Trail and Bridge Design, Public Outreach, etc.
■See Page 12 for Coal Line Trail Phase I Project Details and United Services
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE FROM LEADERSHIP ON URBAN TRAIL PROJECTS
■United's Construction Inspection Department Manager and Field Operations Manager have overseen
numerous urban construction trail projects (see pages 11-12 for examples)
FAMILIARITY WITH COORDINATION WITH UTILITIES THAT ARE INVOLVED OF THIS PROJECT
■Some of these prior contacts and connections will be valuable for the relocation efforts required on this
phase.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CULTURAL TRAIL IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 11
UNITED Project Experience
Similar Projects Completed by Our Team
CLIENT: City of Beech Grove, Indiana
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This is a new 2.2 mile segment of shared use asphalt path beginning
west of Churchman Avenue on Main Street and extending to Emerson
Avenue. The majority of the trail follows Lick Creek and crosses the
creek at three locations. Also to be constructed as part of the project
are four one-span truss bridges. The trail is an important community
connector for the city of Beech Grove.
A couple of the project challenges included multiple changes in
elevation, which required close attention to building ADA compliant
access points, coordination with Sarah Bolton Park, coordination with
multiple public and private property owners, and working through
parking and material delivery challenges, all while constructing
multiple pedestrian bridges and trails in a tight urban environment.
This project was completed on time and within budget. Successful
completion of this project was a catalyst for the next two projects in
the City, which will continue the trail, and sidewalk tie-ins connecting
the commercial side of Beech Grove with Beech Grove High School
and the Hornet Avenue neighborhoods.
CONSTRUCTION COST: $2,900,000
BEECH GROVE GREENWAY, PHASE 1
SERVICES PROVIDED BY UNITED:
Construction Inspection
CLIENT: Westfield, Indiana
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
United designed and inspected the federal aid bridge over SR 32 in
Westfield, Indiana, with a focus on maintaining the aesthetic value and
matching the appearance of the adjacent Monon Trail bridges at Carmel
Drive and 146th Street. To achieve the required vertical clearance over
SR 32 and Tournament Trail Drive—while staying within the existing
right-of-way and avoiding utilities—large block retaining walls were
constructed along the trail, and the bridge piers feature a concrete form-
liner that visually complements these walls. The five-span, painted,
prefabricated steel truss structure includes one 65-foot span, four 120-
foot spans, and a main span of 176 feet. Decorative pedestrian railings
and lighting were also incorporated to enhance safety and visual appeal.
The project required extensive coordination with local businesses,
INDOT, the Grand Park Sports Campus, and the City of Westfield Parks
Department to minimize disruptions and support the community’s vision
for a connected, visually appealing trail network.
CONSTRUCTION COST: $3,500,000
MONON OVER SR 32
SERVICES PROVIDED BY UNITED:
BridgeDesign
Complex Lighting Design
Construction Inspection
UNITED CONSULTING CITY OF SOUTH BEND COAL LINE TRAIL PHASE III - LINCOLNWAY WEST TO LINDEN AVE (DES # 2201235) IN THE LAPORTE DISTRICT 12
CLIENT: South Bend, Indiana
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Coal Line Trail transformed 1.5 miles of an abandoned Norfolk
Southern Railroad corridor in South Bend, Indiana into a multi-use
pathway. The trail features a 12-foot-wide HMA surface with lighting
and a 12-foot-wide spur providing a grade-separated connection
for pedestrians and cyclists. The route links with existing city trails
and nearby neighborhoods, supporting South Bend’s growing trail
network.
A standout element is the adaptive reuse of the historic seven-
span railroad bridge over the St. Joseph River. United Consulting
conducted comprehensive inspections, including underwater and
superstructure assessments, to confirm the bridge’s safety and
durability. The bridge was retrofitted with a concrete deck, open
railings, and structural repairs, and now features pedestrian overlooks
with river views. At 16 feet wide, the bridge comfortably accommodates
both cyclists and walkers.
The project connects Riverside Drive to Angela Boulevard and the East
Bank Trail, serving as a vital link in South Bend’s trail system.
CONSTRUCTION COST: $5,300,000
SERVICES PROVIDED BY UNITED:
Survey
Environmental / Permitting
Trail Design
Utility Coordination
Pavement Design
Public Outreach
Lighting Design
Bridge Inspection
Bridge, Design
Load Rating
Scour Analysis
Retaining Wall Design
Right-of-Way Engineering
Land Acquisition Services
COAL LINE TRAIL - PHASE I
CLIENT: Beech Grove, Indiana
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Beech Grove completed a shared use path from Hornet Avenue to Churchman Avenue, serving Hornet Park Community Center, Hornet Park Elementary School, Beech Grove High School, and its recreation fields. A geocell retaining wall follows the path’s contour along Churchman Creek, with vegetated outer cells for an environmentally pleasing appearance.
Two primary challenges drove inspection complexity.
First, the geocell wall required rigorous oversight of cell expansion, fill, compaction, and drainage, while creek proximity limited equipment access and demanded adaptive inspection methods.
Second, an unexpected 8×4-foot buried septic tank and finger system discovered in the trail subgrade required rapid coordination with plumbers, the City, and INDOT to install a grinder pump and low-pressure sewer connection.
Because existing contractors lacked INDOT prequalification for this work, the team engaged a qualified subcontractor through the Project Engineer / Project Supervisor and monitored force account work, while also updating the Construction Stormwater General Permit, revising the contract completion date, and maintaining stakeholder communication throughout.
CONSTRUCTION COST: $1,443,488
BEECH GROVE HORNET TRAIL
SERVICES PROVIDED BY UNITED:
Construction Inspection
UNITED Project Experience
Similar Projects Completed by Our Team