Fishers officials want firmer assurances that reconstruction of the roundabout at Olio Road and Southeastern Parkway can be completed before winter weather leaves motorists and nearby businesses facing months of disruption.

Engineering Director Hatem Mekky told the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety Tuesday morning that the contractor continues to assure his department the work will be finished this fall. But Mekky said he is seeking confirmation this week that construction can be completed by year’s end.

Mayor Scott Fadness said the city must weigh how much work to undertake this fall against the risk of leaving the intersection under construction through the winter.

“I think what we are debating now is – we don’t want to get halfway through (the construction) and then the weather changes and then we’re stuck with it until next spring,” Fadness said. “Do you nibble around the edges, so to speak, this fall, then try to get it all done next spring and not worry about weather, or can we push through and get it done this year?”

Mekky said maintaining limited traffic through the construction area is another key consideration. Closing portions of the intersection, only to have winter weather halt the work, could create prolonged access problems for nearby businesses and medical facilities.

Those discussions are taking place this week, Mekky said, and he hopes to have answers soon.

The city’s online construction information also reflects uncertainty about the schedule. Its construction overview lists November 2026 completion, while the more detailed roundabout project page lists January 2027.

According to the project page, E&B Paving LLC was awarded the construction contract with a bid of approximately $6.73 million (amendments and change orders have upped the price tag to just under $6.9 million). The city says the reconstruction is intended to improve traffic flow, make lane choices easier and reduce rear-end and sideswipe crashes. The planned changes include permanently closing the roundabout’s fifth leg and providing a new connection between Southeastern Parkway and 136th Street.

The city says nearby businesses and medical facilities will remain accessible during construction, although access routes may change. Emergency access is to be maintained throughout the project.

The board’s discussion came as members approved an amendment and a change order related to the roundabout work.

In other business:

• Police vehicles: The board accepted a bid from Don Hinds Ford to purchase 12 police SUVs for just under $546,000. The purchase replaces vehicles that have reached the end of their useful lives for police work and have been traded in. The Fishers Police Department has a fleet of 184 SUVs.
• Maple Del: Members approved a sanitary sewer agreement for the residential development. Fadness said the agreement is the final step needed to begin construction. The action follows the Redevelopment Commission’s Oct. 6 approval of agreement changes allowing David Weekley Homes to take over construction of 54 townhomes and eight single-family homes, as detailed in earlier coverage.
• City technology: The board approved contracts for human resources and payroll systems, along with renewals covering support, monitoring and alerting software for city systems.