Florence council approves $3.22M contract for Hunt Highway–Attaway intersection after developer asks for delay

Florence — The Town Council approved a $3,222,429.85 construction services contract (GMP #3) and an award for construction administration for the Hunt Highway and Attaway Road intersection improvements, moving forward with a seven‑month construction schedule intended to add turn lanes, install a new signal and add pavement preservation on a stretch of Hunt Highway.

At the start of public comment, Kevin Peterson, representing ownership interests on the north side of Attaway and Hunt (about 180 acres), asked the council to postpone the contract vote for 30 to 45 days so stakeholders could “suggest solutions, provide input, or discuss alternatives” after what he described as a breakdown in communications with staff. “We have had no communication from staff on this issue,” Peterson said, urging a collaborative review before committing to the latest contract figures.

Public works staff—presenter Lindsay Randall—described GMP #3 as part of a phased approach. Randall said the contract covers addition of turn lanes, the already‑funded signal, and a chip‑seal resurfacing to match nearby work. Randall also said staff included stipulations requiring a traffic‑impact analysis and that deceleration or turn lanes will be installed if warrants are met.

George Lane Roberts, vice president of Banting Construction (the town’s CMAR for the project), told the council that “at no time during the construction of this project will the existing traffic movements be diminished,” and that contingency funds were included to cover temporary traffic control for large local events.

Council members framed the vote as action to deliver long‑delayed relief for traffic and safety concerns along Hunt Highway. Mayor Eaton said the work is “moving something along that should have been done already,” noting the project’s long history and constituent demand for progress. After discussion, the council moved to enter the GMP #3 contract; during a reverse roll call, all present voted yes.

The council also approved authorization for Trace Consulting to provide construction administration and inspection services on the project to supplement town staff on site during construction.

What’s next: Project staff said construction is expected to last about seven months and that additional traffic analysis will be completed before construction activities that depend on warrant findings (such as adding deceleration lanes). The contract and consulting award were authorized to be executed by the town manager.