City authorizes emergency repairs to Transportation Center canopy after vehicle strike reveals rot; cost not to exceed $263,700

The Williamsburg City Council authorized emergency repairs to the canopy at the Williamsburg Transportation Center on Jan. 8 after staff reported a delivery-vehicle collision revealed deeper structural moisture damage.

Public Works Director Mister Reid said a vehicle had backed into one canopy column in June, and subsequent inspection showed extensive rot requiring a full structural repair. The city solicited a quote from contractor David Niese and structural specialists and recommended an emergency procurement. Reid said the repair cost quote is $263,700, not including the earlier $40,000 insurance claim for the struck column; he estimated the total program cost would be just north of $300,000 and said the work will follow all applicable requirements.

Council members agreed the damage needed to be fixed and emphasized the importance of routine maintenance to catch similar issues earlier. One council member observed that earlier routine maintenance could have detected the rot before it worsened.

Council authorized the city manager to execute a purchase order for David Niese Builders to perform the work not to exceed $263,700, and the motion passed by roll call.