Commission approves downtown Indian River Drive change order after scoping cuts save $3.3 million

The City of Fort Pierce Commission approved Change Order No. 3 to Kimley‑Horn and Associates' authorization for the Indian River Drive downtown waterfront corridor improvements, authorizing up to $69,320 for the work.

Mark, the city engineer, told the commission the original cost estimates and contractor bids were higher than expected. To keep the project within an acceptable budget the team removed or deferred nonessential, decorative elements and shortened bridge approaches while retaining the primary infrastructure scope: replacement of the aging pedestrian/vehicular bridge, main roadway reconstruction, pedestrian lighting and accessibility improvements. Mark said those scope adjustments and selection of a more standard bridge approach yielded about $3.3 million in cost savings compared with the earlier conceptual plan; some previously planned pull‑in park elements and leased parking arrangements were removed or rearranged.

Commissioner Gaines asked for public clarity about the scope and savings; the engineer said the work will preserve on‑street parking in part, but some park pull‑ins and decorative treatments would be phased to a later date. Commissioners emphasized they wanted the public to understand the city is prioritizing safety, pedestrian access and core roadway needs.

The commission approved the change order by roll call.

This decision moves the downtown corridor project forward with a pared‑back scope intended to maintain the project’s primary transportation and safety improvements while deferring higher‑cost aesthetic items until additional funding becomes available.