Speedway approves $120,772 change order for Al Unser Senior Roundabout to add raised curbs and plantings

Speedway — The Speedway Redevelopment Commission on Nov. 24 voted unanimously to approve a $120,772.35 change order for the Al Unser Senior Roundabout to add safety features and complete landscaping.

Economic Development Director Kyle Markley told the commission the change order from contractor Smock Fansler includes two primary elements: raised curb islands and additional plantings. "We're gonna raise those to 18 inches to help stop cars from going into the roundabout," Markley said, describing raised curbs on the project's approaches. The change-order record shows approximately $41,602 allocated to raised-curb work.

Markley also said the project needs more plant material than was included in the original bids because the design firm’s software undercounted quantities; he estimated about 4,000 additional plants would be required. The planting line-item is recorded as $78,670.35. "So now we are trying to catch up and we need about 4,000 more plants to be put in," Markley said.

Commissioners expressed support for completing plantings and adding safety measures while crews are mobilized rather than returning later for incremental work. One commissioner noted that change orders are undesirable but important to protect the overall investment.

The commission approved the Smock Fansler change order by voice vote, 5-0. The transcript does not specify the precise funding source for the change order within the discussion; staff indicated change orders will be brought forward as needed and recorded in project accounting.

Next steps: construction work covered by the change order will be incorporated into the roundabout contract and scheduled; staff expect to track final planting counts and costs as installation proceeds.