City awards $22.06 million contract to Ames Construction for Vernon‑Highway 100 interchange; work begins April 23

The City Council on April 16 authorized engineering to award Contract ENG‑25‑5 for the Vernon Avenue/Highway 100 interchange to Ames Construction in the amount of $22,062,441.

Director of Engineering Milner told the council the total project estimate is about $28.2 million and that the city has secured $11.2 million in federal funding. The remainder of the program is funded from a mix of municipal and county contributions, state‑aid and utility funds; the city’s share includes a plan to reduce general fund debt as part of the broader capital plan. The project will be staged to reduce impacts and keep key ramps open for as long as practicable, but the busiest overnight bridge removals and deck work will occur during nights and weekends.

Milner said a preconstruction meeting will be held before work begins and that contractors plan to close some local streets as needed; the earliest lane closures begin April 23. Staff emphasized outreach: 9,000 postcards, a project landing page on the city’s Better Together site, business outreach and on‑site signage at the start of each stage. The city will prohibit contractor parking in nearby business lots and will have staff monitor and enforce that requirement.

Council voted to award the contract; the motion was made by Member Agnew and seconded by Member Risser and carried. City staff will administer the contract and manage public notices and traffic control plans during construction.