QUECHEE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The Quechee covered bridge design was completed and put out for public bid on June 7, 2012. A total of four bids were received on June 29, 2012 and publically opened and red aloud. After correcting for mathematical errors within the bids the bid results are as follows:
· Miller Construction base bid- $1,919,769.31
Alternative #1 - $89,876.90
Alternative #2 - $75,000
Total Bid - $2,084,646.21
· T-Buck Construction base bid- $2,196,629.00
Alternative #1 - $130,150.00
Alternative #2 - $99,900.00
Total Bid - $2,426,679
· Cold River Bridges LLC base bid- $2,495,375.00
Alternative #1 - $127,460.00
Alternative #2 - $180,000.00
Total Bid - $2,802,835.00
· Winterset, Inc base bid - $2,805,129.00
Alternative #1 - $131,925.00
Alternative #2 - $90,000.00
Total Bid - $3,027,054.00
Unfortunately the lowest base bid exceeds the estimated construction cost presented in the Bridge Investigation and Recommendation report prepared in the January, 2012. The bids are currently being reviewed by Dubois & King, Inc which completed the recommendation report and final design bid documents. Working with Town staff and the low bidder we expect Dubois & King will be able to identify several cost savings for consideration by the Town. We anticipate the low bid can be further reduced by 10%-15% without adversely affecting the project integrity.
While we expect these savings to be substantial, additional revenue sources will also need to be procured in order to complete the bridge. The Town has been in contact with state and federal agencies to see if additional funds might be made available. The Town is also looking at the general fund’s year end projections and the general fund balance as a possible revenue source for completing the bridge.
The Selectboard will meet on July 10, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Bugbee Center to discuss the bridge cost and options to allow for construction to proceed. Town staff and Dubois & King will be present to discuss the bid results and possible cost and funding alternatives.