Council drops south block from UDOT-funded Safe Routes project after engineering cost spike

Providence City Council on Oct. 15 voted to remove the south block from a UDOT-funded Safe Routes to School design after city staff said a new geotechnical requirement from the Utah Department of Transportation would add substantial cost.

City staff member Ryan told the council the project had reached a design impasse after UDOT began requiring a geotechnical analysis to a standard normally applied to major structures. Ryan said the engineer estimated an $87,000 change order just to meet that requirement, and that the construction estimate likely would be much higher.

"I can't in good conscience approve this kind of change order and this kind of cost," Ryan said, describing the geotechnical request as requiring standards equivalent to I-15-level structures. He told the council the grantor indicated it would accept removing the south block while continuing to fund the north block.

Members discussed alternatives including limiting clearing to allow a geotechnical study, pursuing a phased approach, and budgeting structural work as a future capital project. Council members and several residents raised concerns about drainage, springs and the need for retaining walls before removing root systems.

Councilor (name used on first reference) moved to reject the engineer change order and remove the south block from the project scope; a second was recorded and the motion carried. The council directed staff to proceed with completing design and funding steps for the north block only and to return with additional engineering and cost information for any future work on the south block.

The decision means the city will not ask for (or obligate) the $87,000 change order tied to UDOT requirements and will instead pursue design and construction only on the portion UDOT will continue to fund.

The council emphasized they wanted work done correctly if and when the south block is resumed, and that any future retaining-wall design or major construction should be matched with geotechnical study and a capital budget allocation.

Ending: Councilors said they support continuing walkability work elsewhere in the city and asked staff to return with detailed cost estimates and options before starting additional clearing or construction on the south block.