Kankakee Street Bridge Project to Go to Bid in July; Baker Road Bridge 45% Complete

Manhattan Township Meeting | June 2025

Article Summary: Manhattan Township’s infrastructure program is moving forward on multiple fronts, with the Baker Road Bridge reconstruction now 45% complete and the larger Kankakee Street Bridge project set to go out for bid in July. The Road District also reported that only 2.5 miles of gravel roads remain in the township.

Township Road Projects Key Points:

• The Baker Road Bridge construction is 45% finished.

• The Kankakee Street Bridge project will be put out for bid in July, with construction scheduled to begin in April 2026.

• After removing Barton Road from the gravel system, the township now has only 2.5 miles of gravel roads left to maintain.

• The Road District expects to receive a new truck in July.

Manhattan Township is making steady progress on its major infrastructure projects, Highway Commissioner Jim Baltas reported on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Baltas informed the township board that construction on the Baker Road Bridge is now 45% complete. This key project aims to replace an aging structure and improve transportation in the area.

Meanwhile, the township is preparing to move forward with another significant project. The Kankakee Street Bridge replacement will be put out for bid in July. Construction for this project is currently scheduled to begin in April 2026.

In his report, Baltas also noted a milestone in the road district’s long-term goal of reducing gravel roads. Barton Road has been converted from gravel, leaving only 2.5 miles of gravel roads remaining in the entire township. To aid in maintaining these roads, the district is also expecting the delivery of a new truck in July.