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Council directs staff to remove sidewalks from Mud Creek Bridge design to curb costs
Summary
City engineer told the council that removing sidewalks from the Mud Creek Bridge design would require additional structural design but could cut the project cost by about $300,000; the council directed staff to amend plans and pursue the budget-friendly option.
City engineering staff told the Vinton City Council on Dec. 11 that removing sidewalks from the Mud Creek Bridge design would increase structural-design work but could reduce the project price and help the project fit the city’s budget.
Sean, the staff presenter, said the council’s earlier direction favored the no-sidewalk option. He told councilmembers that taking sidewalks off both sides requires more structural effort for the superstructure and abutments but that reworking the plans could potentially save about $300,000. "That also is going to be potentially a $300,000 savings from the project," Sean said during the discussion.
Council members pressed staff on the trade-offs, asking whether alternative options had been fully scoped and noting one previously considered option was described as roughly five times more costly than other alternatives. Sean said his office could re-run structural calculations using standard design references and coordinate with the subconsultant on the amended plans.
After discussion the council voted to give staff direction to amend the plans to remove sidewalks and proceed with the revised structural design so the project remains viable within the adopted budget. Council asked staff to return with updated plans and an amended cost estimate.
Next steps: Engineering staff will amend the bridge plans to remove sidewalks, update structural calculations and present an updated cost estimate to council for further action.
