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Oxford council approves up to $5.91 million contract for Oaks Trail Phase 5
Summary
The Oxford City Council authorized a construction contract for Phase 5 of the Oaks Trail to complete connections between the high school, Pepper Park, the multimodal station and other city routes, approving a $5,375,000 base bid plus a 10% contingency for a total not to exceed $5,912,500.
The Oxford City Council voted to accept a construction bid and authorize the city manager to sign a contract for Phase 5 of the Oxford Area Trail System, approving a base contract of $5,375,000 plus a 10% contingency of $537,500 for a total not to exceed $5,912,500.
The project will connect existing Phase 3 and Phase 4 segments, link the high school and Pepper Park, cross the CSX Railroad on a major structure, add two other steel bridges and extend toward the middle school and State Route 732, city staff said. Mike (staff member) presented the design and bid results to council: "We have a design connecting phases 3 and 4 that have been already constructed, the East West section of phase 5, which is, for your consideration tonight, connects the high school and Pepper Park, with a major structure going over the CSX Railroad, 2 other steel bridges and ultimately connecting to the middle school and State Route 732."
The project design was completed by Behr Becker, and the city received four bids that ranged from $5,375,000 to $6,844,000, the presentation said. Mike said the city does not have direct experience with the apparent low bidder but that references checked "all came back very good." He also noted funding support: "I should remind counsel, Miss Green did get approximately $3,000,000 in grant funding."
Councilors emphasized the project's transportation value beyond recreation. Councilor Jeff said the segment that connects the middle and high school "is a really key piece in non car transportation and will allow students to have an option to get safely to and from school using those trails." Mike told the council that three major steel structures have long lead times and "could take 9 to 12 months, before they come on-site."
Council discussion included the trail's northern 3,500-foot connector, which will pass the city's compost facility, a set pond at the closed landfill and connect to the Chestnut Street sidewalk system, the Butler County RTA multimodal building and a proposed Amtrak platform on South Main Street. Mike said the city has secured an easement from a local landowner (the Knowles of Oxford) that will help the trail reach Contreras Road.
Council approved the resolution by voice vote. The measure includes the 10% contingency and directs the city manager to execute the contract so the city can meet external funding deadlines and proceed with construction sequencing.
