Bluffton council authorizes Bridge Street streetscape contract with 25% contingency
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Summary
Council authorized a $1,210,393.83 contract for Bridge Street Streetscape phases 2 and 3 and approved a 25% contingency, bringing the estimated fiscal impact to $1,512,992.29; work includes drainage, street lighting and sidewalk repairs with a notice-to-proceed expected in late April.
Bluffton Town Council authorized a construction contract for phases 2 and 3 of the Bridge Street Streetscape project at its March 10 meeting.
Town staff presented the low, responsive bid from Sea Island Land Development LLC for $1,210,393.83 and requested a 25% contingency to address unknowns commonly encountered in historic-district excavations. Staff said the contingency request was driven by project complexity and available budget; with contingency the total fiscal impact is $1,512,992.29 and that figure falls within the previously approved project budget.
The scope described by staff includes drainage improvements to reduce stormwater runoff into the May River cove, repaving, replacement of broken sidewalks, street lighting across the project area and limited parking adjustments. The presentation noted the first few hundred feet will match the appearance of phase 1, with more limited streetscape treatment further west where the project primarily requires repaving and lighting.
Council asked about prior bidders and whether local contractors had been considered; staff said Sea Island Land Development is based in Charleston and that the town received four bids. A preconstruction meeting and notice to proceed were expected in late April, and staff projected construction to continue into 2026.
Council moved, seconded and approved the contract authorization and contingency by voice vote.