City awards $9.3 million contract for Buckner Lane South widening; total authorization $10.23 million with contingency

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a construction contract for the Buckner Lane South widening project at the April 21 meeting, accepting MasTec LLC as the low bidder. The bid tabulation and the engineer-of-record’s recommendation were presented by CIP Director Missy Stahl; MasTec’s bid for the South segment was $9,296,089.60. With a 10% contingency for unforeseen conditions, staff requested total authorization of $10,225,697.60. The board passed the item 8–0.

Why it matters: Buckner Lane South is a major roadway project the city is funding with bond proceeds. Completing the South segment advances connectivity and aligns with other road and utility work, including coordination with planned Fire Station 4 and other capital projects.

Discussion highlights: Council members asked about coordination with the North segment (Jones Brothers holds the North contract) and whether splitting segments reduced possible synergies. Missy Stahl and staff said the bids were independently competitive and Jones Brothers will coordinate with MasTec where the two segments overlap. Alderman Linville and others asked about schedule enforcement; staff confirmed the contract will include liquidated damages assessed daily for missed completion dates unless an approved time extension is granted. A past extension for the North segment was cited as an example (partly due to delays obtaining county approvals and a severe weather event).

Funding and contract terms: The contract will be paid from bond proceeds. Staff noted the South segment’s bid was significantly lower than earlier estimates. The board approved the resolution to execute the contract and authorize the city to proceed with pre-construction activities.

Speakers quoted in this article are recorded in the meeting transcript at the times cited in provenance.