Hutchinson council updates Woody A–C corridor project; approves bonding intent for Avenue C bridge work

Vice Mayor Scott Meggers and the Hutchinson City Council received a progress update Aug. 19 on the Woody A–C corridor reconstruction project and approved an ordinance to authorize the future issuance of general-obligation bonds to reimburse the city for Avenue C bridge work.

The update, delivered by Justin Karam, construction manager in the engineering division, said the contractor’s internal estimated completion is “early December” while the contract substantial completion date remains Jan. 31, 2026. Karam said “we have used about 192 [calendar] days” of a 362-day contract and that the city has about “170 days remaining per the contract,” not counting weather or other excusable delays. He described completed work including demolition of Avenue A and Avenue B bridges, installation of a 6-inch water line and 36-inch reinforced concrete storm pipe sections, and site grading toward the planned roundabout.

Angela Richard, director of finance, explained the council action earlier on the agenda: because the city had already awarded the Avenue C bridge repair contract but had not yet issued bonds, the city must pass an ordinance declaring its intent to reimburse itself with bond proceeds under applicable IRS rules. “We are asking to bond up to $1,750,000.00 for this project, to allow $50,000 of design fees and a contingency,” Richard said.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance to authorize the issuance of general-obligation bonds and to approve the required declaration of intent. The motion passed with recorded votes: Richardson — yes; Garza — yes; Bass — yes; Meggers — yes.

Councilmembers and staff discussed schedule and risk. Karam said the project is “on track to the contractor estimated completion date,” while noting common challenges including rain and utility conflicts. He described recent change orders that together increase the contract about 1.2 percent (roughly $46,000) and attributed them to unanticipated utility work such as lowering a 16-inch water main and extra pavement replacement. When asked about a proposed subcontractor change for dirt work, Karam said the prime contractor must vet and contract subs but that the city reviews proposed subs’ qualifications and expects the prime to remain responsible for completed work. He said the subcontractor change likely caused “about two weeks” of delay but that the prime contractor plans to add resources to stay on schedule.

Karam said the city prioritized reopening Avenue A between Adams and Madison to relieve residents while Avenue C work remains pending. He noted the project has a hard completion date with liquidated damages available if the contractor fails to meet contract milestones.

Nut graf: The Woody A–C corridor is Hutchinson’s largest current capital-improvement project; the council’s intent-to-bond ordinance preserves the city’s ability to reimburse project expenses from future general-obligation bond proceeds while staff and the contractor manage schedule, weather and utility conflicts that have produced modest change orders and a short schedule slip.

The council packet included photos of bridge demolition, storm pipe installation and water-line work; Karam noted time-lapse cameras and public access to live feeds on the city website. Staff said the Avenue C repair contractor (Wildcat Construction) will hold a preconstruction meeting and likely begin fall work; the city intends to group this bond issuance with other projects later in the year to reduce borrowing costs.

Ending: The council approved the bonding-resolution item and asked staff to continue reporting monthly on schedule, change orders and any impacts to the contract completion date. The project team said they will prioritize reopening Avenue A (Adams to Madison) to provide early relief for nearby residents and will provide follow-up on the subcontractor change and any schedule mitigation steps.