Morton awards Flint Avenue reconstruction contract to William Charles Construction for $3.97 million

The Village of Morton accepted a bid and awarded a contract to William Charles Construction of Rockford, Illinois, for the Flint Avenue reconstruction project in the amount of $3,974,030.22. The public-works director told the board the successful bid was below the engineer’s estimate and about $200,000 less than the next-lowest bid; the village received seven bids in total. "This one's been a long time coming," the public-works director said, and added that most construction work will begin next year, with some utility work starting this year. The director identified water and preliminary storm-sewer work as the two primary utility tasks that could start before the main roadway construction to ensure proper drainage. Board members asked whether the Illinois Department of Transportation needed to approve the bid; staff said IDOT had reviewed the project and "feel comfortable" with the bid. The board approved the award by roll call. No schedule change or financing breakdown beyond the contract amount was specified in the transcript; staff said they would coordinate with the contractor and report on staging and timing as the project proceeds.