Redmond awards Badger Canal roundabout contract and approves major water-main and sidewalk project

The Redmond City Council voted to award two construction contracts aimed at traffic safety and water-infrastructure upgrades: a roundabout at Badger Avenue and Canal Boulevard and replacement of an aging 6-inch steel water main with pedestrian safety improvements in the Northwest Cedar and Birch neighborhood.

The contract for the Badger Canal Roundabout was awarded to High Desert Aggregate for $1,607,177. Project manager Evan Malone told council the project includes a 10-foot sidewalk at each roundabout entrance, new ADA ramps, bike ramps on every leg of the roundabout and stormwater improvements. Malone said Canal Boulevard will remain open via a temporary “shoe-fly” road and that construction can begin as early as June 1, with full closures starting June 13 and substantial completion expected in early September before school resumes.

Council also approved a bid from Taylor Northwest for the Northwest Cedar and Northwest Birch improvement project, in the amount of $1,851,975. Veronica Reinertsen, project engineer, said the work replaces a 6-inch steel water main on Northwest Cedar and Birch, adds ADA ramps and upgrades sidewalks on Birch, Eighth and Ninth streets to improve safety on school routes. Reinertsen said design is complete and the city expects a May construction start with estimated completion in late fall to early winter.

Why it matters: the roundabout and water-main replacement address aging infrastructure and pedestrian safety on established school routes. Councilors asked about schedule confidence and neighborhood access; Malone said the team has “a couple estimates from contractors” and is “pretty confident” the work will be completed before school resumes, though utility work remains a common source of delay.

Council action and next steps - Badger Canal Roundabout: Awarded to High Desert Aggregate for $1,607,177; motion to award and authorize the city manager to sign the contract passed by voice vote. - Northwest Cedar/Birch improvements: Awarded to Taylor Northwest for $1,851,975; council approved the award and the project is included in the city’s five-year capital improvement program. Reinertsen said staff will coordinate traffic control for the city’s July 4 parade and other events during construction.

Staff said they will continue outreach to the school district and neighborhood to keep residents informed about closures and detours.