The Animal Control, Highway & Transit Committee on July (date not specified) recommended that the full board award a contract to the lowest qualified bidder for repairs to the Gorman Road bridge over the Bison River.

Committee members reviewed bids and staff said Deconstruction was the only contractor to submit a complete bid, at $233,575.60, compared with the engineer’s earlier estimate of $183,430. Staff told the committee the bid exceeded the estimate but that the work is specialized, contractor availability is limited and market prices have been escalating for similar rehabilitation projects. The engineer of record reviewed the bid and “concur[red] with the overage,” staff reported.

Staff described damage under the bridge on the north side, including a washed-away slope wall and bearings that are “out of tolerance” and rusted. Staff said delaying the repair increases the risk of additional slope loss and could force a more costly repair later. Committee members were told the county has budgeted money for this repair.

After discussion, the committee voted to recommend that the full board authorize the county to proceed with the project and award the contract to Deconstruction. A motion to forward the recommendation passed on a voice vote.

Next steps include the full board’s consideration of the resolution and contract award at a future meeting; dates were not specified in the transcript.