Middletown Township awards $938K contract for Swift Road traffic signal project

Middletown Township's Board of Supervisors made a pivotal decision during their September 7 meeting, opting to move forward with the Swift Road and Woodburn Road traffic signalization project despite bids coming in significantly over budget. The low bid from Scott Building Corporation totaled $937,886, far exceeding the $600,000 allocated in the 2022 budget.

The board had previously engaged with residents and conducted traffic counts, which confirmed the need for the signal at this busy intersection. Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the importance of safety improvements. However, the rising costs attributed to supply chain issues and inflation prompted discussions about whether to accept the bid or delay the project in hopes of lower future bids.

Board members expressed differing opinions. Some advocated for proceeding with the project, citing the extensive public engagement and the potential liability risks of delaying necessary safety measures. Others raised concerns about fiscal responsibility, suggesting that rejecting the bids could lead to more prudent spending of taxpayer money.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to award the contract, emphasizing the urgency of the project and the likelihood that costs would continue to rise if delayed. This decision reflects the township's commitment to enhancing public safety while navigating the challenges posed by current economic conditions.

In addition to the traffic signal project, the board also discussed the Department of Public Works fueling systems project, which faced setbacks due to non-compliance from the sole bidder. The board decided to reject this bid and reassess their approach to ensure future compliance and successful project execution.