Florence council approves $3.22 million contract for Hunt Highway and Attaway intersection improvements

The Florence Town Council voted to authorize a Construction Manager at Risk contract with Banneke Construction for Project T91 — intersection improvements at Hunt Highway and Attaway — in the amount of $3,222,429.85.

During the meeting Kevin Peterson, who said he represents ownership interest in two corners at the intersection (about 180 acres), asked the council to delay action "for 30 to 45 days" so stakeholders could review alternatives and address gaps he described in staff communication. He told the council that stakeholders had not been given an opportunity to "suggest solutions, provide input, or discuss alternatives" and requested the delay before the vote.

Public Works presenter Lindsay Randall described the scope of the GMP and said the project includes turn lanes and a pre-purchased signal; staff also added a chip-seal pavement-preservation scope. "We're looking at a seventh month long contract," Randall said, describing the anticipated timeline and noting contingency planning to accommodate large events.

Contractor representatives said the construction plan will maintain existing traffic movements during work. George Lane Roberts, vice president of Banneke Construction, told council: "At no time during the construction of this project will the existing traffic movements be diminished." Council members emphasized the long-standing local need for the improvement, cited traffic and emergency response benefits, and said the approach represented a cost-conscious solution compared with earlier, larger realignments.

Vice Mayor Adam moved to enter into the CMAR contract and the council approved the motion on a reverse roll call; all present members voted yes. The council also approved a separate contract for construction administration and inspection services with Trace Consulting to provide on-site QA/QC during the project.