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DeKalb committee approves Orion Drive bridge contract extension; contractor to coordinate relocation of people living beneath span
Summary
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee approved a contract-term extension for Orion Drive bridge repairs and heard that outreach specialists will be engaged to relocate people living under the structure; staff said details on rehousing mechanisms will be provided with the next change order.
The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on March 6 approved a change order extension for repairs to the Orion Drive bridge and directed staff to return with more detail on planned relocation services for people living beneath the bridge.
Director Pelton presented agenda item 2025-0267, a request to extend contract 1379155 (CNS Contracting Company) for Orion Drive bridge rehabilitation through Dec. 31, 2025. The item, described as a contract-term increase only, was approved by voice vote after a motion and second.
Pelton told commissioners the project has been delayed because “several unhoused people have taken up residence underneath the bridge,” preventing the contractor from moving on site. He said the county is working with the primary contractor and “a sub that specializes in this kind of situation” and that staff expects to return with an additional change order to add those services to the contract.
Commissioners asked how the relocation would be carried out. Pelton said the subcontractor would initially relocate individuals and make recurring visits “in case someone tries to come back,” but he did not provide details on specific rehousing mechanisms. Pelton said staff would provide that information with the next change order.
Chief Operating Officer Williams said he would ensure the county’s housing outreach partners are engaged, including the housing outreach program, coordinated entry and other nonprofit partners that work with DeKalb County, to bring “appropriate resources to the table” for people willing to accept assistance.
The committee approved the extension by voice vote. No individual vote tally was recorded in the transcript.
The committee record shows the county awarded the underlying contract to CNS Contracting Company and that Frontline Response was identified in the discussion as the company expected to handle relocation services; Pelton said he would provide further details on partners and rehousing steps with the next change order.
