MERRILLVILLE | Two road projects in Merrillville are moving forward.

Town Councilman Shawn Pettit said a paving project on Harrison/Madison Street from 53rd Ave to 61st Avenue was awarded to Rieth-Riley Construction Co. for about $291,000. Another paving project on 73rd Avenue, from Clark Street to the Interstate 65 overpass, was awarded to Walsh & Kelly for about $632,000, he said.

Both projects are being funded entirely through grants from the federal stimulus program.

Merrillville Public Works Director Bruce Spires said a start date for the projects hasn't been established, but he expects they will begin when the weather gets warmer. Spires said he hopes the projects can be completed by the end of May.

He said the town's financial problems have prevented Merrillville from finishing paving projects in the last two years, so the town appreciates the stimulus funds.

"73rd (Avenue) is really starting to get to be a maintenance problem," Spires said.

The town also will seek federal funds to widen and pave 101st Avenue from Georgia Street to Mississippi Street, Pettit said.

He said the work would improve access to the AmeriPlex at the Crossroads site near Broadway and 101st Avenue.

Pettit said Merrillville would be required to pay half the cost of the project if it receives the grant. Funds from the Broadway tax increment financing district could be used for that purpose, Pettit said.