City Council Approves Major Cost-Saving Infrastructure Changes

In a recent city council meeting, officials approved two significant change orders related to local infrastructure projects, highlighting cost savings and necessary adjustments to ongoing developments.

The first item discussed was the final change order for the Gateway Boulevard Extension, a project aimed at creating a new connection to Robert Rose Drive. The extension, primarily a two-lane curb and gutter section with sidewalks on both sides, includes the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection. Sessions Paving, the contractor for the project, submitted the lowest bid, coming in nearly $100,000 under budget. The change order was primarily to adjust project quantities to reflect these savings. The council unanimously approved the motion, marking it as a straightforward decision.

The second change order addressed the Butler Drive Realignment Project, which has been in the works since December 2023. This change order adds a force main sewer line and additional storm drainage to the project, increasing the contract amount by $606,237 to a total of $7,645,248. The project timeline will also extend by 30 days. The council noted that reimbursement for the sewer line costs would be sought from the water resources department's capital reserve.

Both change orders received unanimous support from the council, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance local infrastructure while managing costs effectively.