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Sudden Valley board approves funds to replace two failing bridges, awards vendor contracts
Summary
The Sudden Valley Board of Directors approved allocating roughly $1.09 million from reserve funds to buy and install two pre‑engineered bridges, and authorized the general manager to sign two vendor contracts. The board was told the work will restore vehicle access for maintenance and reduce the risk of a culvert failure on Colvard Park Drive.
The Sudden Valley Board of Directors approved $1,088,464.22 from reserve funds to purchase and install two pre‑engineered bridges and authorized the general manager to execute related vendor contracts.
Board members and staff told the board the projects cover a single‑lane, 14‑foot‑wide steel bridge to restore access near Gate 3913 and maintenance areas, and a concrete plank bridge to replace a rusted, failing arch culvert on Colvard Park Drive. Staff said the culvert repair is intended to prevent a future collapse if a high‑flow storm overwhelms the existing crossing.
The board’s finance committee recommended moving forward with both replacements after reviewing updated bids that came in below older cost estimates. Finance staff reported an estimated savings compared with earlier engineering estimates and noted that having materials on order now reduces the risk of higher future costs.
Tyler (staff member) described technical reasons for selecting the two bridge types: the steel, pre‑engineered bridge will be bolted on site and is about 70 feet long to avoid working in the creek bank; the Colvard Park Drive crossing is better served by a concrete plank bridge because of nearby utilities and permitting constraints. Staff said both designs meet vehicle load standards appropriate for emergency and maintenance vehicles.
The board approved two vendor awards and authorized the general manager to sign the contracts: a $121,312 quote from one vendor and a $134,368 quote from another (quotes attached to the capital request). Directors voted unanimously to allocate the reserve funds and to allow the general manager to execute contracts to begin the procurement and submittal process for permits and materials.
Board members emphasized permitting remains in process with Whatcom County and with fisheries staff; staff said permits were not yet final and that some utility coordination could add time and hourly costs during construction oversight. The board was told contractor warranties will follow standard construction practice and that the engineered bridges are expected to have long service lives.
The board also directed staff to manage contingency and oversight work under time‑and‑materials terms and to coordinate scheduling to minimize impacts to the community during installation.
The motion to allocate funds and the motion authorizing contract execution were both approved by the full board.
