Commissioners approve $1.26 million change order for Smilax Road lift station project after unforeseen railroad permit work
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Summary
The board approved Change Order No. 1 to CNE Excavating for the Smilax Road lift station and force main project, increasing the contract by $1,262,943.70 to cover a required grouting program and other unforeseen items tied to railroad permit conditions; staff said portions of the cost are expected to be paid by Amazon.
The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved Change Order No. 1 to the CNE Excavating contract for the Smilax Road lift station and force-main project at its Oct. 21 meeting. The change order increases the contract by $1,262,943.70.
Infrastructure staff explained that Norfolk Southern permit requirements encountered during construction required a grouting program beneath the railroad to stabilize soils and voids. Staff described the grouting work as labor-intensive and costly; the work was not anticipated in the original contract. The presentation noted the county has seen similar unforeseen conditions in other projects and that staff reviews change orders closely before bringing them to the board.
Funding: Staff stated that portions of the additional cost are expected to be paid by Amazon (project partner), though portions will remain the county’s responsibility.
The board discussed change-order scrutiny and the common occurrence of change orders on construction projects; commissioners recorded aye votes to approve the change order.
Ending: The county will proceed under the approved change order and manage payment allocations per contractual and project funding agreements.