Board awards $636,530 roundabout construction contract, sets $724,172.50 project budget

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 4 to award a construction contract for the Colum Ferry Road–Astondale roundabout and to establish a project budget to cover construction, permitting and related costs.

Public Works reported 12 bids were received for ITB 2609-005 and recommended CMC Inc. as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder at $636,530. The recommended project budget of $724,172.50 includes construction, MPDS permitting, material testing, geotechnical inspections, construction administration and an estimated $10,000 for right-of-way acquisition; staff also recommended a construction contingency.

Public Works representatives said they will ensure the roundabout geometry accommodates occasional large vehicles (e.g., WB-60/large tractor-trailers) by reviewing return radii and by using mountable splitter islands and built-up shoulders where necessary. Commissioners asked staff to confirm turning radii and shoulder treatments; staff said they will coordinate design adjustments and evaluate impacts to the previously constructed roundabout nearby.

A motion to award the contract to CMC Inc. and to establish the project budget was seconded and approved verbally by the board with votes recorded as 'Aye.' The board authorized the chairman to execute necessary contract documents and approved future budget amendments up to the established project budget for the life of the project.

Public Works noted the financial impact allocations: $536,573.87 from a county fund and $187,598.63 from an LRA grant (Georgia DOT) based on the staff presentation.