Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
MAC Construction was awarded an Excellence in Construction award for its work constructing the Monon South Trail Phase 1A from Associated Builders and Contractors.
The award was presented at the ABC Excellence in Construction Gala held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis Sept. 25. MAC shared the award with Radius Indiana, trail developer, and the engineering and design team at Clark Dietz.
MAC Construction has constructed 20 miles of trail as part of Phase 1A. Construction began in July 2024 and focused on building sections of the trail in Mitchell, Orleans, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Salem, New Pekin and Borden.
“MAC’s construction team did a terrific job of implementing the design team’s vision for the Monon South Trail. They incorporated appropriate techniques and materials to contribute and add to the ecological legacy we want the trail to provide,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana. “Our monthly construction review meetings with MAC’s team were always productive, open conversations where they offered solutions to the unexpected challenges we found.”
MAC Construction was founded in 1980 by Jeannie and Victor Unruh. Located in New Albany, the company has completed construction projects throughout southern Indiana and the Louisville area.
“It was an honor for MAC Construction to serve as the contractor on this award-winning project and to share in the ABC Award of Excellence alongside Radius Indiana and Clark Dietz. It takes a team approach to construct a project like the Monon South Trail Phase 1A – one that connects communities across our region and will have lasting impact,” said Chad Unruh, owner and CEO of MAC Construction.
The Monon South Trail repurposes a historic Indiana railroad corridor that once transported goods and passengers throughout Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources acquired the rail line and awarded Radius Indiana nearly $24 million to develop the trail. When completed, the Monon South Trail will span 60 miles and be the longest contiguous recreation trail in Indiana.
The project has required multi-agency coordination as well as working with leaders in four counties.
The nomination noted that the project included ADA compliant surfacing and sustainable stormwater solutions that enhance resiliency. The six trailheads integrate durable materials and contextual design.
“This kind of result happens when you have a collaborative partnership, including an Owner in Radius Indiana and design team, working together to successfully achieve the scope and vision for the project,” added Unruh.
Overall, the Monon South Trail project team delivered a high level of technical execution, and environmental sensitivity.
“We’ve gotten rave reviews of the trail as we’ve opened it to the public, and credit for that includes the work that MAC carried out in just a few short months of efforts,” Quyle said.