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Le Mars approves engineering agreement with DGR for Business Highway 75 reconstruction
Summary
The Le Mars City Council approved a professional services agreement with DGR Engineering to design the Business Highway 75 reconstruction, an estimated $11.7 million project; the engineering contract is $1,695,258 funded through a GEO TIF bond, with bidding planned in 2026 and construction in 2027–28.
The Le Mars City Council approved an agreement with DGR Engineering to provide design and construction administration for the Business Highway 75 reconstruction project, administration told the council at the meeting.
The project is roughly estimated at $11,700,000, with the engineering agreement costing $1,695,258 and proposed to be funded through a GEO TIF bond. The city intends to advertise the project for bid in 2026, with construction projected for 2027 and 2028, according to the materials presented to the council.
Brian Wells, DGR Engineering project manager, said the engineering fee is an estimate and that the ultimate construction schedule and costs will depend on contractor scheduling and bid results. “Construction services is an estimate; it really depends on the contractor. We get their schedule, their ability to get things done,” Wells said, adding that DGR’s role will be to observe and administer to ensure the work “conforms with the plans and specs.”
Wells and council members discussed subsurface conditions and geotechnical testing. Wells said geotechnical borings are not included in DGR’s scope and that the city typically contracts with CTS to perform borings and testing; those borings will inform final design and bidding. Wells also said the design scope may include subsurface drainage and improved subbase materials to increase durability.
Council members and staff said public input opportunities will be scheduled before final design decisions are made. One council member asked whether the council or staff would make final design decisions after public meetings; staff indicated the council would decide after reviewing public input and staff recommendations.
The council voted to approve the professional services agreement with DGR Engineering. The contract allows for more detailed scope and cost refinement once subsurface testing and contractor bids are available.
Next steps: the city will complete geotechnical testing, hold public meetings on alignment and cross-section options (e.g., three-lane, two-lane with turning lanes), finalize design, and then bid the project in 2026.
