Township awards $905,541 road resurfacing contract; officials cite contingency for unforeseen storm and sewer repairs

The Township of Washington on Sept. 8 awarded the 2025 road resurfacing contract to Frank A. Macchione Construction for $905,541.24, funding work on Carriage Court, Salem, Fern and Bergen.

Administrator Mark DeCarlo told the council the low bid was well under the engineering estimate but that video inspection of subsurface storm and sanitary lines uncovered roughly $140,389 in potential repairs not included in the initial estimate. ‘‘The bid came in at a very good price compared to the estimate,’’ DeCarlo said, adding that the total award includes a contingency/allowance of about $118,000 for change orders or unforeseen work.

DeCarlo said the township will pay the contract from a combination of previously authorized bond ordinance proceeds, available capital lines and two current operating lines for drainage and sewer expenses. He told council members he would seek their approval before drawing on other capital ordinances if repairs required funds beyond the resurfacing account.

Council members asked the township engineer to confirm that the low bidder’s scope matched the bid specifications and that change orders would be justified and presented to council. The engineer reviewed the bids and staff said any change orders would be brought to the council before payment.

The award passed on a roll-call vote. The resolution authorizing the contract (Resolution 25-300) formalizes the award and the funding certification provided by the administrator.

The council packet includes the engineer'prepared capital estimate and the bid summary listing Macchione as the low bidder. Staff said video inspection work and engineering observation were already funded from the capital line for the 2025 road program.