Single bid for BNSF bridge project corrected but still exceeds expectations; county awaits BNSF response

At a Feb. 4 bid opening, Capital Paving and Construction submitted the only bid for bridge work near the BNSF railroad crossing. The bid packet listed a base bid of $4,686,646.60 and a base-plus-add-alternate of $4,862,646.60.

Howe Company representative Shannon Howe reviewed the bid for compliance. On Feb. 18, Howe told the commission he had found a calculation error. Capital Paving agreed to lower its figure; Howe reported the corrected total as $4,787,946.60. The minutes note that even after the correction the bid remains higher than anticipated and exceeds the amount BNSF had agreed to cover.

The commission declined to accept the bid until it hears whether BNSF will cover the additional cost beyond the previously agreed amount. The minutes do not record a formal rejection or acceptance; they record that the commission is awaiting BNSF’s decision before awarding the work.

Howe indicated he would continue to work through bid compliance details. The contractor and county will need to reconcile final scope and funding before the commission can approve a contract.