East Ridge City Council approves $1.4M street paving program with Caldwell Paving

During the East Ridge City Council meeting on March 13, 2025, significant discussions centered around the allocation of funds for street maintenance and improvements, reflecting the city's ongoing commitment to infrastructure enhancement.

The council approved a budget of $1,437,976 for the state street aid fund and capital improvement fund, aimed at paving and maintaining various streets throughout the city. This decision followed a thorough evaluation of street conditions, which involved input from multiple city departments, including the streets, police, and fire departments. The streets identified for repair were noted to be in deteriorating condition, with issues such as severe cracking and pavement upheaval.

Two bids were received for the paving project, with Caldwell Paving emerging as the lowest bidder at $1,501,825, slightly lower than Tally Construction. The council recommended awarding the contract to Caldwell Paving, with the stipulation that the total amount would not exceed the budgeted figure. If funds remain after completing the prioritized streets, additional streets may be added to the project.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the ongoing street improvement program, emphasizing its importance to the community. They acknowledged the need for continued investment in infrastructure, noting that many streets had been neglected for years. The council plans to revisit street evaluations in the fall, with a new list of streets to be presented for the next fiscal year.

In addition to street maintenance, the council discussed a change order for the North Max Smith Road Widening and Improvements project. Due to utility conflicts that delayed the project, Adams Contracting, LLC, requested an additional $28,845.36 to cover increased costs and remobilization expenses. The council approved this change order, allowing the project to proceed as planned.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's proactive approach to addressing infrastructure needs, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for East Ridge residents through improved road conditions. The next steps include the implementation of the approved paving projects and continued monitoring of infrastructure developments.