Council directs staff to study bundling of 11 remaining bridge projects

The Lawton City Council voted 7-0 to direct city staff to coordinate with engineering firm WSB to prepare cost estimates and assess whether bundling 11 remaining bridges under Project B of the 2023 general obligation bond program would be feasible and cost-effective. Mike Jones presented the recommendation from the streets and development committee, saying the approach could concentrate city resources and allow the remaining bridges to be completed more efficiently. "We see this as a very effective way to look into those last 11 bridge projects," Jones said.

Council members made and seconded a motion to approve the recommendation and the mayor called for a voice vote; the motion carried 7 to 0. The council did not set a deadline for the WSB analysis in the meeting record; Jones said findings would be brought back to the council for further review.

Why it matters: bundling multiple small capital projects into a single construction or procurement package can reduce per-unit costs, speed delivery and reduce overhead for public works programs. The council framed this vote as a step to produce engineering estimates and feasibility analysis, not a final authorization to spend bond proceeds. Next steps: staff will work with WSB on estimates and return the results to council for further direction.