Carpinteria authorizes bid solicitation for Carpinteria Creek bridge replacement

The Carpinteria City Council authorized staff to solicit construction bids for the Carpinteria Creek bridge replacement, moving the project from design toward procurement.

Public Works staff presented the project scope and schedule, explaining that prior preliminary work removed vegetation and addressed utilities; the main replacement contract will remove and replace the structure over Carpinteria Creek. Gerald (project manager) said preconstruction tasks — including utility relocations by Southern California Edison, Cox and Frontier — must be completed before staff publishes the formal invitation to bid.

Staff reported the project funding structure: the city’s report lists approximately 88.53% reimbursement from federal funds and an anticipated local match of 11.47%. Council members asked what would happen if bids exceed available funds. Staff described standard practice: if bids exceed estimates, they will seek additional federal funds or adjust project scope; the project’s preconstruction work and documentation would still count as eligible activity under the federal program.

Council approved a motion authorizing the director of public works to solicit offers and return with recommendations after bid opening. Staff said the earliest likely time to advertise was after summer once utility relocations were complete and that a capital improvements workshop in March will revisit project prioritization and funding.

Next steps: staff to track relocation milestones, advertise the solicitation when ready and report back with bid results and any recommended scope or funding changes.