Council awards $4.5 million contract for Gaslight Boulevard reconstruction and approves budget amendment

The Lufkin City Council approved a contract award on first reading for reconstruction of Gaslight Boulevard and authorized a budget amendment to cover the project’s higher-than-expected bid.

City staff reported that bids received on Feb. 11 produced a low bidder, Langston Construction, and a recommended total contract amount of $4,503,775.76. The project scope includes roughly 3,000 feet of street reconstruction, about 3,000 feet of sidewalk (additive alternate) and street lighting. The 2025 capital plan had $4,000,000 budgeted for the project; staff recommended supplementing the shortfall by transferring $550,000 from the water-sewer construction fund (Fund 380). "This street is in dire need of reconstruction," staff said, and recommended proceeding after a competitive bid process.

Council asked about timing: staff estimated the typical startup process, including bonding and preconstruction, would take about 60 days and the contract period for completion is about 300 days (roughly 10 months).

The motion to award the contract and approve the budget amendment was made and seconded and carried on first reading; the transcript records a voice vote as "All in favor ... Aye. Any opposed? That motion carries." The ordinance authorizing budget amendment number 11 was presented for first reading; the transcript does not show final adoption or an effective date.

Staff noted Langston Construction had completed similar work for the city and was an approved contractor. The city also said the higher recommended total includes an allowance for street lighting and the additive sidewalk alternate.