Council awards $2.7 million bid for South Main Street pedestrian path; state grant covers majority of cost

The Fort Atkinson City Council voted Sept. 16 to award construction of a pedestrian path along South Main Street to Rock Road Companies Inc. and authorized the city manager to execute a contract not to exceed $2,723,030.53. Director Naveen explained the project area runs roughly 4,600 linear feet from Rockwell south to the city limit and that the city received a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant awarded in March 2022 that covers $961,000 (about 81% of the eligible project cost). “Designs are for the street to be narrowed within the city limits, curb and gutter removed and replaced on this on the 1 side and repaved in conjunction with the project to accommodate an eighth to 10 foot path on the east side,” Naveen said. The project's total construction cost was competitive; three firms submitted proposals and the low bid was Rock Road Companies Inc. After accounting for eligible grant funding, contingency and oversight costs, Naveen said the city's portion comes to about $1,000,563.49, funded from levied funds, borrowed funds, and allocations from the water, wastewater and stormwater utilities (listed in staff materials as $678,139 for water, $39,589.77 for wastewater and $98,687.78 for stormwater). Council members noted the long planning history for the corridor — Safe Routes to School, the city's comprehensive plan and the comprehensive outdoor recreation plan all identified improvements — and they welcomed moving the project toward construction in 2026. Council approved the award and authorized execution of the contract. Construction is expected to begin in 2026; staff said a breakdown of costs and attachments were provided to council for further questions.