City awards $2.6 million Measure S pavement rehabilitation contract to WestRock

The Tehachapi City Council awarded the 2025–26 Measure S Pavement Rehabilitation Project to WestRock LLC (dba WestRock General Engineering) for a low bid of $2,599,999 and authorized the city manager to approve change orders up to 20% of construction costs (approximately $519,999.80), with staff empowered to amend the project budget to use Measure S reserves if necessary.

Why it matters: The project is part of an ongoing Measure S-funded pavement program the city uses to rehabilitate streets and alleys. Staff said it is the third consecutive year of substantial pavement work funded by Measure S and that the bid came in under the project budget of $2,870,000; adding a recommended 20% contingency would exceed that approved allocation, so staff requested authorization to access additional Measure S funds if needed.

Staff reported a competitive bidding process with five bidders and said WestRock's bid, including bid additives, was $2,599,999. Staff recommended the award and explained that a 20% contingency is prudent to allow rapid response to unforeseen conditions (for example, heavier work at Denison Road where unanticipated subsurface conditions could arise).

Council discussion recognized the project's emphasis on older, northern neighborhoods and city alleys that have had limited prior investment. Staff estimated work could be completed by mid-summer and noted crews and contractors historically mobilize quickly for similar projects.

Council voted 5-0 to award the contract to WestRock and to authorize the city manager to approve change orders up to 20% of construction costs and amend the project budget accordingly.