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P R O J E C T U N D E R S T A N D I N G & A P P R O A C H <br />A&Z Engineering understands that the Kennedy School Safe Routes to School project is far more than a sidewalk <br />upgrade—it is a community safety investment requiring careful oversight and proactive field coordination. Our <br />approach ensures the project is constructed according to INDOT/LPA requirements, ADA standards, and the City <br />of South Bend’s expectations for quality, cost-efficiency, and communication. <br />Tailoring our inspection approach isn’t just a preference—it’s <br />essential for the success of the Kennedy Academy Safe <br />Routes to School project. This initiative presents a unique set <br />of conditions that require thoughtful, flexible oversight. <br />Active School Zone Awareness <br />Construction will occur near a functioning school, <br />requiring heightened attention to safety, access, and <br />timing. Our inspectors will closely monitor sidewalk <br />closures, ADA ramp construction, and curb tie-ins— <br />ensuring all work supports a safe path of travel. If <br />requested, we’ll coordinate with the school and City to <br />support communication during student arrival and <br />dismissal periods. <br />Community-Focused Communication <br />This project is highly visible to nearby residents and <br />school families. To maintain trust and minimize <br />disruption, our team will suppor t public outreach— <br />including clear signage, real-time updates, and, if <br />needed, assistance with digital or printed <br />communication. We’ve used similar strategies <br />successfully on past projects like Drake Road. <br />Urban Utility &Site Coordination <br />Underground utilities, roadway constraints, and limited <br />working space mean field crews must remain aler t <br />and responsive. A&Z inspectors are experienced in <br />coordinating with utility providers and adjusting <br />inspection effor ts as conditions shift—keeping the <br />project moving on schedule and within scope. <br />Photo from A&Z Site visit is representative of several areas in <br />which sidewalks and ramps lack accessibility. <br />Dedicated Daily Site Presence <br />All field staff featured in this LOI are INDOT AWP trained and will <br />document daily work in accordance with LPA standards. <br />With key staff working out of A&Z’s Valparaiso of fice, we ensure <br />daily on-site inspection and immediate responsiveness to field <br />issues. <br />Our inspection team will verify slopes, curb transitions, and ramp <br />dimensions using smar t levels and other field tools to ensure ADA <br />compliance. <br />Real-Time Field Coordination <br />A&Z inspectors will: <br />Track contractor progress and verify quantities in real- <br />time. <br />Monitor workmanship and safety. <br />Identify issues early—especially related to drainage, trip <br />hazards, and utility conflicts. <br />Close coordination with the contractor and City Project <br />Representative helps keep work within scope and <br />minimizes unnecessary delays or rework. <br />ADA Compliance is Not Optional <br />Drawing on design priorities, A&Z’s inspection team is trained to <br />review: <br />Ramp slopes and landings <br />Cross slopes and transitions <br />Pavement interfaces that could cause ponding or non- <br />compliance <br />We approach ADA field inspection with the same attention to <br />detail expected in full design reviews. <br />Communication That Builds Trust <br />The A&Z team will maintain: <br />Daily communication with the City and INDOT Area Engineer <br />Weekly progress updates summarizing milestones, concerns, and upcoming work <br />Clear documentation of action items, changes, and field resolutions <br />At A&Z, we recognize that no two projects—or <br />communities—are the same. That’s why we <br />don’t offer cookie-cutter services. <br />Page 7 <br />Entrance into Kennedy Academy taken at <br />A&Z Site Visit. <br />Existing crosswalk within project limits <br />documented at A&Z Site Visit.