Shelton council advances downtown street and sidewalk repair project after staff presents bids and safety plan

Public Works Director Jay Harris told the Shelton City Council on Feb. 3 that a long-planned downtown street and sidewalk repair project is ready to advance after in-house design work and public outreach.

Harris said the project addresses street trees whose roots have lifted sidewalks, causing trip hazards. The design includes removal of selected trees, installation of root barriers and new grates, regrading, and planting smaller, low-root-impact trees recommended by an arborist. "We received 18 bids today on the project, which was really good news," Harris said, adding that Diversified Holdings was the low bidder for all three bid schedules at $254,000.

The city's engineers estimated the full project at $350,000–$420,000 if the city executes base bid plus schedules A and B; Harris said the council could elect to award only the base bid or base plus schedule A if funds are constrained. He described plans for phased tree removal to avoid removing all trees simultaneously and said the contractor will receive 90 days for active construction, with a realistic completion window nearer 120 days when administrative wrap-up is included. Harris said staff will use door hangers and other outreach so residents and businesses know timing and impacts.

A council member asked whether curb extensions or "bump-outs" could be added at several corners to slow traffic and improve pedestrian crossings. Harris and other staff noted constraints including turning radii for larger trucks and that a funded flashing crossing at Third Avenue is expected to improve safety at a key location. One council member said recent highlighting paint has made trip hazards more noticeable and expressed relief the project is finally moving forward after multi‑year discussion.

After discussion, a council member moved to place the downtown street and sidewalk repair project on the council's Feb. 17 action agenda for formal consideration; the motion was seconded and the council approved the placement by voice vote.

The council will consider award and final scope on Feb. 17. If the council approves the full bid package, work would be phased to minimize downtown disruption and to have sidewalks largely available for the city's Forest Festival, staff said.