Council to add $620,000 to Midland Avenue paving project after bids exceed budget

Mary Robinson, City Engineer, told the Syracuse Common Council at a study session that bids for the Midland Avenue paving project (Ostrander Ave to West Seneca Turnpike) exceeded the amount on which the city budgeted. Robinson asked the council to amend a bond ordinance, adjust the agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation and authorize an additional $620,000 to the project, for a new not-to-exceed total of $5,286,000.

Robinson said the project is a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) project and remains largely reimbursable: staff estimated roughly 71% federal participation and the remainder state/local, and they cited a year-long delay in bidding tied to NYSDOT staffing shortages as a reason bids increased. The apparent low bidder at the construction solicitation was named as Nardozzi; Robinson said the design engineer did not exceed their design budget and that additional curbing also increased costs.

Councilors asked about the project schedule and whether the work could be completed this year; Robinson said the goal is to finish in the current construction season. Staff also noted that purchase/award details are handled by the purchasing department and that the city will continue to pursue available TIP funds when possible. No formal vote was recorded in the study-session excerpt.