Council approves final payment for Nelson Street bridge replacement after post-flood rebuild

The Bowie City Council approved the final payment to complete the Nelson Street Bridge Replacement Project, the structure rebuilt after flood damage in August 2022.

Mike Tibbetts presented the project details and recommended release of the final payment to Mx Construction, citing improvements that significantly increased hydraulic capacity at the location. Tibbetts said the original culverts had been “mostly crushed or collapsed” after the 2022 flood; the completed work replaces the damaged structure with two 11-foot-wide by 6-foot-tall channels and a wider, concrete-lined channel and reinforced pavement. Tibbetts described a new channel opening and guardrail installations intended to improve flow and public safety near a nearby school.

Tibbetts told the council the project expanded the hydraulic opening compared with the preexisting 3-by-3 or 4-by-4 openings and now handles drainage from about 140 acres that feed the crossing. He said the final construction included 9 inches of compacted base rock and 9 inches of reinforced concrete pavement above, which should prolong roadway life.

Tibbetts also said the final contract amount came in lower than earlier estimates; a contract change order reduced the projected cost from a previously estimated $2,004,000 to a lower final amount, and he recommended approval of partial pay request No. 12 in the amount of $138,192.99 to complete all payments to the contractor. He told the council staff had collected written statements from subcontractors and suppliers confirming they were paid in full and had received a letter from the contractor’s bonding company clearing release of final funds to avoid potential liens against the city.

Tibbetts explained that the contractor’s one-year warranty period begins from the completion date recorded in November; the contractor is responsible for addressing defects in materials or workmanship at no cost to the city during that warranty year.

Council approved the motion to accept the final payment and close out the contract during the meeting’s roll call.

Council members and staff cautioned that while Nelson Street repairs move drainage capacity upstream, downstream crossings — specifically Rock and Pillar — remain vulnerable and may need funding and attention in the future.

The council’s action included direction to monitor downstream structures and to pursue funding for subsequent repairs as needed.