Committee approves change order for TH 371B (Willow Street) roundabout; city sees slight net savings

The Brainerd Safety and Public Works Committee on the agenda approved change order No. 1 for improvement 2313, the Trunk Highway 371 B (Willow Street) roundabout, after staff described construction adjustments that arose during work.

Engineer Jesse Dean told the committee the change order includes grading revisions in the highway portion of the project, several storm‑sewer adjustments and changes to water‑service work. "The total change order is a little over $40,000," Dean said, adding that MnDOT’s portion is about $41,000 and the city’s cost share results in a slight net savings for Brainerd.

Dean said crews found additional material in the work area that had to be moved, and noted a contaminated soil issue and problems with the existing subcut section that required extra excavation and regrading. He also said a residential water service connection was discovered on Willow Street rather than on 7th as anticipated, reducing the amount of water service replacement needed for the project. In one instance involving a commercial connection at the Speedway, staff found a larger service line than originally specified and proposed upsizing that line.

A committee member asked why the discrepancies were not shown on city mapping; Dean said the mapping will be updated. After brief questions, a committee member moved to approve the change order and another committee member seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the motion carried.

The committee did not provide an itemized roll‑call tally in the transcript. Staff recommended and the committee approved the change order as presented. The city will update mapping and proceed with the revised construction work.

The project remains subject to MnDOT’s oversight for the highway portion and to the revised contract terms approved by the committee.