This photo showcases a portion of a blueprint page depicting the soon-to-be constructed facility for a farmers market in Glasgow. The front end of this facility is designed to face West Main Street. Melinda J. Overstreet from Glasgow News 1 brings us this update.

Competitive Bidding for the Farmers Market Facility

Six companies vied for the opportunity to construct a 3,600-square-foot farmers market facility in Glasgow. This facility would serve as a home for the Bounty of the Barrens, regardless of the season or other events on the Glasgow Public Square. One bid stood out as considerably lower than the rest. City engineer and superintendent Jim McGowan stated that this doesn't guarantee the contract. He and other city officials, along with Precision Engineering from Tompkinsville (who developed the project plans and bid specifications), will meticulously examine all bid packages opened at Glasgow City Hall on Tuesday afternoon. This ensures nothing is missing and that all necessary requirements are met before a decision is made. McGowan expects to have a notice of award ready by the end of next week. The bid deadline was originally set for last Thursday but was extended. Thursday, McGowan informed that all plan holders (companies that requested copies and indicated intent to bid) received addendums throughout the bidding process to address questions and provide clarifications. A third addendum was distributed digitally on November 19, providing a more detailed building description. This "cracked down on specifics" and ensured companies knew what was required. The extension aimed to give potential contractors time to check with materials suppliers. As of the original Thursday deadline, one bid was received but was returned as the deadline was extended. On Tuesday, Glasgow's finance officer Madi Griffin opened the bids in the presence of Precision Engineering representatives, bidder representatives, McGowan, and other city employees. As each bid was opened, Griffin read the company name and checked for details and tabulated figures before announcing the total bid amount. Five bids were in the range of nearly $1.3 million to nearly $1.6 million. The outlier was a $779,000 bid from Concentric Corp. of America (doing business as Staco Building Co. and based in London, KY), which had submitted the sole bid last week. After Griffin read the amount, the package was handed to McGowan for review. Project manager Tucker England expressed appreciation for the companies' interest, and McGowan thanked those present. He was pleased with the number of bids and hoped to end up with the lowest bid, which is relatively close to Precision Engineering's estimate compared to the others. Kathy McGuire, director of business development with Precision, emphasized the need to carefully review the bids due to the significant difference in amounts. McGowan added that they would check references, especially for less familiar companies.The city obtained grant funds for at least a portion of the construction. Grant writer/administrator and city administrator April Russell stated that the Kentucky agriculture development grant application required financial support from ag development boards in the vendor counties (Barren, Allen, and Hart counties). Allen County provided $2,500, Hart County contributed $10,000, and Barren County's board put in $70,000. After a summer presentation and vote, the city was awarded a $250,000 grant and has to match this amount. Plan holders were provided with a blueprint showing the building's appearance and positioning. McGowan expects a more easily digestible rendering without technical information to be drawn up by the architect and released in the next few weeks.The new home for the farmers market will be on Glasgow City-owned property along the 400 block of West Main Street, between the post office and a relocated Ford Drive and a justice center to be constructed next year for Barren County. The city will lease the facility to Sustainable Glasgow, which manages the Bounty of the Barrens Farmers Market. The blueprint calls for the "front" of the building to face West Main Street and the back to face West Water Street. The building is centered within the block, with the current entrance off West Water. Another entrance from Ford Drive shown on the blueprint may be added later. One addendum called for leaving it out for now. Looking at the design from the front or back, the overall shape resembles some barns, with a taller, open-loft center section and shorter side extensions. One side extension is a covered porch extending the full length, while the other is enclosed. The taller center section, viewed from the front and back, has a regular double door flanked by garage-type doors. The porch side has a single regular door in the center and two garage-type doors on each side. The opposite longer side, facing the post office, has only a single regular door. The west-facing "side extension" is designated for bathrooms, with a single door for handicapped-accessible parking.

From Monday, December 2, through Friday, December 6, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will be carrying out crucial construction activities on I-90 in Becket, West Stockbridge, and Stockbridge. These operations involve bridge painting, bridge repair work, and guardrail work, which will impact traffic during specific scheduled hours.

Stay Informed and Navigate I-90's Construction Zone

Becket's Bridge Painting

On I-90 westbound at mile marker 18.4, bridge painting will commence on Monday night, December 2, and continue through Thursday night, December 5. The work will end on Friday morning, December 6, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Lane closures will be in place to ensure the safety and efficiency of the painting process. This is a significant undertaking that requires careful coordination to ensure a smooth operation. The bridge painting is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the highway. It helps to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of the bridge, which in turn benefits the traveling public.During this time, drivers should be prepared for delays and reduce their speed. Appropriate signage and messaging will be provided to guide them through the work area. It is important for drivers to follow these instructions carefully to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

West Stockbridge and Stockbridge's Bridge Repair Work

Bridge repair work will take place on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 3.9 to mile marker 6.5. This work will start on Monday night, December 2, and end on Tuesday morning, December 3, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Lane closures will be utilized to carry out the necessary repairs. Bridge repair is crucial for addressing any structural issues and ensuring the safety of the traveling public. It helps to prevent potential accidents and delays caused by faulty bridges.During this period, drivers should expect some disruptions to their travel. It is advisable to plan their routes in advance and allow for extra time to reach their destinations. By following the instructions and staying alert, drivers can navigate through the work area safely.

Guardrail Work in Becket and West Stockbridge

Guardrail work will be conducted on I-90 westbound from mile marker 1.0 to mile marker 3.0 and on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 0.8 to mile marker 3.0. The work will start on Monday night, December 2, and end on Thursday night, December 5, with the same time frame of 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Lane closures will be implemented to carry out the guardrail repairs. Guardrails play a vital role in ensuring the safety of drivers by providing a barrier in case of an accident. Regular maintenance and repair of guardrails are necessary to keep them in good condition and provide maximum protection.During the guardrail work, drivers should be cautious and reduce their speed. The presence of construction crews and equipment in the work area requires extra attention. By following the traffic signs and instructions, drivers can help to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions;Visit the Mass511 website, which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information; orFollow MassDOT on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MassDOT for regular updates on road and traffic conditions.These measures will help travelers stay informed and make informed decisions about their travel plans. It is important to stay updated on the latest traffic conditions to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a safe journey.