Douglas County awards $14M Hilltop Road reconstruction contract to Elite Surface Infrastructure

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners convened on April 8, 2025, for a business meeting that addressed several key agenda items, including the approval of a construction contract for the Hilltop Road Improvements Project.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the consent agenda, which included multiple items labeled a through u. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously without further discussion.

Following the consent agenda, the board moved to the regular agenda, starting with item 4a, which involved a construction contract with RME Limited LLC, operating as Elite Surface Infrastructure. The contract, valued at $14,435,665.80, pertains to the first segment of the Hilltop Road Improvements Project, designated as project number CI2020-2029.

Benjamin Pierce, the supervisor for capital improvements, presented details about the project. The improvements will reconstruct Hilltop Road from Legend High School to the intersection at Village Road and Crestview Drive, transforming it into a four-lane roadway with a median and a new storm sewer system. A significant feature of the project is the installation of a roundabout at the intersection, replacing the existing two-way stop. This design was chosen based on extensive traffic engineering studies, which indicated that a roundabout would enhance safety and efficiency, particularly for larger vehicles common in the area.

The bidding process for the project included two alternatives: one for asphalt and another for concrete. The bids were publicly advertised, and six contractors submitted proposals. The lowest bid for asphalt was approximately $14.4 million, significantly lower than the engineer's estimate of over $21.5 million, while the lowest concrete bid was around $16.8 million. The board recommended proceeding with the asphalt option due to its cost-effectiveness and noise-reducing properties.

Pierce emphasized the importance of public communication throughout the project, particularly for residents in the Crestview neighborhood, who rely on Hilltop Road for access. The project is scheduled to begin on April 16, 2025, with a contract duration of 487 days, allowing for a winter shutdown period.

The board unanimously approved the construction contract with Elite Surface Infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in the Hilltop Road Improvements Project. The meeting concluded with no further questions from the commissioners, and the board expressed confidence in the project's execution and its benefits to the community.