A Baxter company has submitted the low bid for construction of a sidewalk in front of commercial properties along Iowa Speedway Drive. Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler says Midstate Solution’s quote of $242,012 was the lowest of the seven bids received, and is well below the engineer’s $265,520 estimate for the sidewalk’s construction. The Newton City Council is being asked to approve Midstate Solution’s quote at their upcoming meeting Monday. 

Muckler notes the city has received many complaints about the safety of pedestrians along that street, and City Council members determined this to be among their top priorities in the upcoming budget. Bolton & Menk Incorporated in Des Moines created the sidewalk’s design and specifications. The project is targeted for completion by the end of September, with funds from Newton’s Road Use Tax and East Mart Tax Increment District.