Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Bridges topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission accepts low bid for large box culverts; opts against higher-priced supplier
Summary
Walsh County accepted a low bid of $390,620 from Ringer for two-chamber box culverts to replace a failing crossing; the higher Oldcastle bid was roughly $598,674. Commissioners debated whether to do a $50,000 temporary fix or wait for permanent installation and approved the lower-price vendor.
Walsh County commissioners accepted a bid from Ringer for large precast concrete box culverts at $390,620, moving forward with a permanent replacement for a damaged county crossing rather than paying a substantially higher amount quoted by another supplier.
County staff had opened bids and reported Ringer’s price of $390,620 and Oldcastle’s price of $598,673.60 for the 16-by-12-foot, two-chamber structure. Staff said Ringer could deliver the units by about Sept. 15 and that installation would be a multi-week operation; Oldcastle’s bid also lacked a clear delivery-date commitment in the submitted material.
Commissioners discussed alternatives: perform a temporary $50,000 repair now and delay the permanent installation, or purchase the box culverts now and install them in the fall when units are available. Staff said permanent installation would restore an 18-ton crossing and reduce pressure on township roads and nearby lower-weight bridges.
After debate about timing and the county’s broader bridge needs, a commissioner moved to accept the lower bid from Ringer; the motion passed on roll call. County staff said they will order the units and then procure an installer for on-site work; the county will pay for manufacturing and hire a contractor for installation when units are available.
