County rejects single high bid for K‑19 bridge; approves $1.09M Fairmount Road (ST‑26) bridge contract

Leavenworth County public-works staff told commissioners the single bid for K‑19 bridge replacement came in about 22% (roughly $300,000) above the engineer's estimate and recommended rejecting that one bid and rebidding the project to seek more competitive pricing. The board voted to reject all bids for K‑19 and directed staff to rebid the project, noting the county can attempt a later construction window to attract more bidders but that winter construction may extend closure and paving timing.

On a separate project, the board approved a contract with Brian Ohlmeyer Construction for replacement of Bridge ST‑26 on Fairmount Road for $1,094,319.45 (contract amount as stated in the meeting). Staff said a notice to proceed had already been issued and a preconstruction meeting held; work is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. County staff explained the bridge is structurally deficient (load rating and flange corrosion described in inspection) and needs timely replacement; however staff said the bridge remained safe to drive on at the time of the meeting and receives annual inspections.

Public-works staff described statewide construction market conditions as a primary driver of elevated bid prices, citing limited labor and heavy competing demand for bridge work, pressure from rising material costs (including steel and potential tariffs) and contractors holding multiple projects. Staff recommended adjusting engineer-estimate contingencies for future projects to reflect current market volatility.

Commissioners discussed the county’s long-term bridge-replacement backlog and funding history, with one commissioner stressing the need to increase the pace of replacement to avoid closures as more bridges reach end-of-life. The board approved rejecting the K‑19 bid and approved the Fairmount Road contract in separate recorded motions.