Olive Branch board approves $643,029.80 change order for Craft Road widening

The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen on May 5 approved Change Order No. 1 to the Lehman Roberts contract for the Craft Road widening project, adding $643,029.80 and revising the contract total to $4,827,047.10 to address unsuitable subgrade conditions.

City engineering staff explained the work is needed because soil in a floodplain section of the one-mile stretch was not compacted sufficiently for roadway construction. "Geotechnical issues that you run into with road work are one of the most, likely causes, I guess, for, unexpected cost," said Mr. Swims, the staff member who presented the engineering report. He added the fix involves removing the unstable soil, treating it and replacing it to achieve needed stability.

During questions, staff said the county is under an agreement with the city and that their portion is capped at $2,000,000. "We've under agreement with them for their portion would be $2,000,000," Mr. Swims said. The board discussed scheduling and the contractor's request to begin work after school ends; staff said the contractor indicated a targeted start around May 26 with a roughly 35-working-day closure for that one section if conditions allow.

Mayor Adhman moved the recommendation to approve the change order and the board voted in favor. The approved change order authorizes the additional work and funding to correct subgrade conditions; staff will coordinate timing with the contractor and the county.

The board proceeded to subsequent agenda items following the vote.