Abilene board awards $6.38 million contract for new airport access road (Bonanza Drive extension)

The Abilene Development Board voted to recommend awarding the construction contract for the new airport access road (the Bonanza Drive extension) to Bonnke Brothers Construction Inc. at a not-to-exceed price of $6,381,045.15.

Randy Green, an agency official reporting on the project, said the engineer recommended the low concrete bidder and that the contract price includes an owner contingency of about $100,000 to cover ancillary surprises such as utility costs. Green said an asphalt alternate bid was $6,283,850.15; the board preferred concrete for longevity and lower maintenance costs.

Funding and scope: Green told the board the work includes the road extension and a signal at the FM 18/Highway 36 intersection. He said the full funding for the project comes from grant sources and that no city funds are needed. Green also noted an approximate $17,000 AEP charge to set light poles along the road.

Motion and vote: A board member moved to award the contract to Bonnke Brothers not to exceed $6,381,045.15; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. Green said he will present the recommendation to city council on Jan. 22 for final approval.

Local context: Green thanked Congressman Arrington for helping secure funding and said staff has requested the congressman attend a groundbreaking; he will notify the board if the congressman can participate.

Next steps: Staff will take the contract recommendation to city council on Jan. 22 and will proceed with preconstruction steps after council approval.