Council approves purchase of Hayes Avenue precast bridge span; staff sought contingency

The Murrieta City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 16 to approve purchase of the precast bridge material for the Hayes Avenue bridge project and to proceed with procurement steps so fabrication can begin.

Staff explained the acquisition is the second step in a two-part process: earlier design work with ConTech Engineered Solutions (a $20,000 design agreement already executed) and now the purchase of the bridge's precast arch span and approach wing components. Staff said the material cost is $130,500 and that the contract sum shown is $150,500 to include the previously executed design fee; an additional 15% contingency was requested to cover potential cost changes during procurement.

Project staff said fabrication will take eight to ten weeks after ordering and that installation would be scheduled to align with delivery; construction start was estimated in March with a short on-site construction window.

Councilmember questions focused on which elements sit over the waterline (staff said wing walls will abut the approach and the arch span itself would not be placed directly over open water) and on scheduling. The motion to approve the purchase passed on a 5-0 roll-call vote.