Orange City authorizes resolicitation and $530,000 budget amendment for Rhode Island/Levitt roundabout

The Orange City Council authorized staff to resolicit bids and approved a concurrent $530,000 budget amendment for the Rhode Island/Levitt roundabout project on Sept. 23.

Development Services Director Joe Ruiz reviewed the project history: a corridor safety study completed earlier identified a roundabout as a cost-effective safety solution; the project secured $1.3 million in LAP (Local Agency Program) funding from FDOT. Staff said bids returned higher than the engineer's estimate (project estimate rose from ~$1.5M to ~$1.7M) and FDOT suggested using FDOT-prequalified contractors and updating cost estimates. Ruiz told council the city currently has the $1.3 million in LAP funding and requested an additional $530,000 from transportation impact fees to close the funding gap.

Traffic consultant Chris Walsh (Walsh Traffic) explained that since 2020 some unit prices have climbed sharply (example: a mast-arm item estimated previously at $70,000 is now closer to $150,000), and that roundabouts typically reduce severe crashes by reducing head-on collisions. Staff noted crash history for the corridor and FDOT's safety priorities in supporting a roundabout design.

After questions about truck turning radii, right-of-way, and costs, Council member moved to authorize advertising the project for bids from FDOT-prequalified contractors only and to approve resolution 401-25 to appropriate $530,000 from transportation impact fees. The motion was seconded and passed by roll-call vote; staff was authorized to resolicit the project and pursue any additional TPO funding.