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Council discusses Pops Ferry projects: bridge lighting repairs and extension work facing unstable material
Summary
Council members discussed repairs to Pops Ferry bridge lighting and a change order for the Pops Ferry extension after crews encountered wet organic “muck.” Staff said the city owns the bridge, is pursuing state designation for the extension, and that extra excavation and testing raised costs and schedule considerations.
Council members asked city staff about repairs to street lighting on the Pops Ferry Bridge and a change order on the Pops Ferry extension after contractors encountered highly organic soil.
Councilmember Lawrence asked whether the state Department of Transportation (MDOT) will assume responsibility and funding for the bridge; staff said the city currently owns the bridge and that state takeover discussions had not progressed. Staff said the city has worked to get Pops Ferry designated as a state-aid road — a process tied to finishing the Pops Ferry extension and then seeking state funding programs.
Separately, staff described a change order for the Pops Ferry Extension noting the contractor encountered “muck” — wet, highly organic material. A staff member explained that crews take a sample, “burn it” to measure organic content, and if it exceeds thresholds the material is classified as muck and requires different handling, disposal and backfill procedures. That work is more time-consuming and costly than normal excavation.
Council members noted the city has expended substantial funds on Pops Ferry infrastructure and asked for updates; staff said work continues, the extension helps connect roads and parking, and the current consent item includes payments for final items such as a lean-to roof at the Desports building. The consent agenda items related to the bridge lights and change orders were approved by the council as part of consent.
