City awards 2025 street and sidewalk maintenance; low bid and alternate work add sidewalk gap repairs

City staff told Worthington City Council on March 17 that Strauser Paving was the low bidder on the city’s 2025 street and sidewalk maintenance project and that unusually low bids made it possible to recommend awarding the base contract plus all four alternates.

Mr. Moorhead said four firms submitted bids — an increase from recent years — and Strauser Paving’s low price was significantly below the city’s estimate. Staff attributed lower pricing to a local producer bringing an asphalt plant online in April and increased competition in the Central Ohio paving market.

Councilor discussion focused on material quality and testing. Mr. Moorhead told council that Worthington follows Columbus and ODOT asphalt specifications; the producing plant must provide batch receipts and Columbus inspectors review samples to certify compliance before materials can be used.

Staff also explained that the sidewalk gaps program, which began as a pilot, is now an official part of the annual street program. Homeowners whose properties are identified as having missing sidewalk sections will receive outreach letters and an opportunity to participate in the city’s program to construct sidewalks at no cost to the property owner. The city said three properties were locked into the sidewalk work at bid time; staff reported four properties confirmed and additional discussions ongoing.

Council amended and then approved Ordinance 8‑2025 to award the contract and include alternates. Staff noted the contractor tentatively plans to start work in April, coinciding with the producer’s planned plant startup, and said residents would receive mailers and social media updates with construction timing and expectations.