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Committee approves increase in change‑order authority for Linwood Avenue sidewalk project
Summary
The committee recommended increasing change‑order authority from 10% to 20% for the Linwood Avenue sidewalk project to cover unforeseen construction and pavement‑repair costs; staff told the committee paving will occur when weather permits and the additional funds come from the transportation capital fund.
The City of Tumwater Public Works Committee on March 20 recommended that City Council increase the transportation and engineering director’s construction change‑order authority from 10% to 20% for the Linwood Avenue sidewalk project (Susitna Lane to Second Avenue).
Colby (public works staff) presented the request and described the project as a multimodal corridor improvement that filled missing sidewalks, widened existing sidewalks to five feet in places, upgraded curb ramps, added bulb outs for traffic calming and created stormwater treatment features. The contract was awarded to Northwest Cascade Incorporated; most concrete and roadside restoration work is complete and the project is in suspension pending final paving and striping.
Staff said unanticipated items raised the cost risk: Intercity Transit requested route accommodations that led to additional concrete and intersection work at Seventh Avenue, crews encountered buried curb and older monolithic catch basins requiring replacement, and pavement condition deteriorated over the winter. Staff said those issues — plus a worst‑case assessment of base repair needs — drive the request for extra contingency authority. The presenter said full paving and striping remain weather dependent and the contractor expects to complete paving when the paving window opens (April 1) if conditions permit.
Committee members asked questions about bicycle accommodations, drainage, and schedule. Staff responded that bicycle facilities were maintained along existing lanes through the limits and that some segments lack room for a separated bike lane; staff described planned over‑excavation and base repair in spots where subgrade pumping or underground water was observed. The presenter said the additional change‑order authority would be funded through the transportation capital facilities program and that staff is confident the project can be delivered within 20% above the contract amount, but not within the standard 10% change‑order authority.
The committee approved the recommendation to increase change‑order authority and will place the item on the April 1 City Council consent calendar.
