Middletown rejects bids for Langhorne Gables drainage project after low bidder exceeds budget

Middletown Township on Aug. 15 voted unanimously to reject all bids received Aug. 5 for the Langhorne Gables Phase 2 drainage improvement project after contractors’ prices came in significantly above the township’s 2022 budget.

Township staff said two bids were received and that the low base bid was $1,023,720, compared with a project budget of $675,000. Staff cited elevated pipe costs and busy contractor schedules this season as drivers of the higher pricing and recommended rebidding the full scope in January 2023 to try to secure better prices and contractor availability.

The chair moved to reject the bids and plan the project for the 2023 budget year; the motion was seconded and passed 5-0. Board members asked whether the township could provide interim support for residents experiencing yard flooding; staff and public works said they would prioritize inlet cleaning and could reach out to affected households.

Resident Eric Bruno suggested residents consider planting different vegetation to improve drainage and that township outreach include that guidance when the project returns to bid. The board recorded the vote as 5-0 in favor of rejection and rebid.