Fairhope awards TAP sidewalk contract; engineering inspection contract approved with 20% city match

The Fairhope City Council approved awarding a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) contract for new sidewalks on Blue Island Avenue and Fairwood Boulevard to Chris Brewer with a bid not to exceed $695,800, and separately authorized a professional engineering services contract with Veil Schafer for construction engineering and inspection (CEI) for $119,276.53.

Mayor Sullivan told the council that the sidewalk project is a federal aid TAP project with 80% grant funding and a 20% city match. The mayor also said the combined items came in roughly $185,000 under the council’s budget estimate.

Council members asked staff about traffic impacts during construction. Project staff (identified in the meeting as Mr. Johnson and Richard) said most work would be shoulder work and that temporary traffic controls would primarily occur when concrete trucks occupy a lane to unload. Preconstruction meetings and a notice to proceed typically follow about 30 days after a bid award, staff said.

Councilman asked whether construction would start within six weeks because of increased traffic from nearby detours associated with other projects; staff replied that crews would manage short‑term controls and ensure any lane blockages are cleared while school is in session.

The council approved both the construction award and the CEI contract by voice votes after motions and seconds were recorded. No amendments or special conditions beyond the grant match were recorded on the public record.