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High cost estimates complicate Rawlins pedestrian underpass project; council weighs next step
Summary
A long-planned pedestrian underpass beneath the US-287 bypass drew fresh scrutiny after recent bid results far exceeded earlier estimates. Council members asked staff for more information; YDOT told the city it would rebid in the fall and asked whether Rawlins still intended to proceed if the city's share approached $1.3 million.
Sherry Schellinger, chair of the Urban Systems Advisory Committee, reminded the Rawlins City Council that a pedestrian underpass at the US-287 bypass near Higley Boulevard has been a multi-year safety priority because students must cross the bypass to reach school. "Ultimately, the underpass was determined to be the safest, least intrusive, and maintenance friendly option," Schellinger said during a committee report.
City staff later briefed the council on recent bid activity and the scale of the city—ost share. Cody Dill, public works staff, said the first round of bids in February came back far higher than the city and WYDOT expected; engineers and YDOT staff re-examined scope and construction assumptions and estimated the next letting could cut the construction portion but that the city would still face a significant local contribution. City Manager Tom Sarvey summarized YDOT's funding breakdown: federal urban-system funds and additional YDOT enhancements would cover a majority, but the city—ould be required to provide roughly $1.3 million toward the project if construction costs remain at the latest estimates.
Sarvey warned that withdrawing from the project at this stage would likely forfeit roughly $400,000 already spent or obligated by YDOT and the city. He also noted the contract language requires the municipality, after acceptance, to "maintain at its sole expense the underpass in compliance with all applicable federal and state standards," creating ongoing maintenance obligations.
Council members were split. Some members and staff pressed for additional time to monitor fall bid activity and for monthly coordination with YDOT; others said the safety case is urgent and supported proceeding if a realistic share could be identified. Council Member Derek Elliott and others said the current figures make them uneasy; Council Member Bruce Seagull and some colleagues said the cost could be justified to protect children crossing US-287.
WYDOT told the city it would rebid the project later in the year and asked Rawlins for a position on whether to proceed if the city's match is near the $1.3 million estimated share. Council took no immediate funding vote; members directed staff to maintain close coordination with WYDOT, seek any cost reductions in scope that preserve safety, and report back before the next letting so council can decide whether to commit city funds.
