New Ulm awards $339,196 bridge contract, schedules bids for South Street storm‑sewer lift station
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Summary
Council awarded the 2025 MSAS bridge scour repair contract to MR Paving & Excavating for $339,196 and approved plans and a Feb. 11, 2026 bid date for the South Street storm sewer lift station (FEMA funds of $1,125,000; engineer's estimate ~$1,513,000).
New Ulm — The City Council on Tuesday awarded a bridge‑scour repair contract and advanced bidding for a FEMA‑funded storm‑sewer lift station.
City engineer staff reported significant scour around Pier 1 of the 20th South Bridge following underwater inspection and recommended awarding the 2025 MSAS improvement contract to MR Paving & Excavating as the low bidder. The low bid was $339,196 — roughly 37% above the engineer's estimate — and council authorized awarding the contract. Staff said the project is a 50/50 cost share with the county and is funded with MSAS state aid; contractors expect to perform work in summer when river levels recede.
On a separate item, staff presented plans and specifications for the South Street storm‑sewer lift station project and noted FEMA pre‑disaster mitigation funding of $1,125,000 and an engineer's estimate of about $1,513,000. Council approved the plans and authorized advertising for bids, setting the bid opening for 10 a.m. on Feb. 11, 2026 in City Hall Council Chambers. Staff described the lift station as a below‑grade vault with two discharge pipes through the levee and backup pumping and generator provisions.
Why it matters: The bridge work addresses a structural scour issue identified in inspection and is time‑sensitive to preserve bridge safety. The lift‑station project is FEMA‑supported mitigation intended to improve flood resilience and requires coordination with Brown County, which the city said supports the project.
What’s next: MR Paving & Excavating will be scheduled for summer construction; bids for the South Street project will be received in February and returned to council for award.
