Council awards $1.1M contract for Searls Avenue sidewalk extension

On May 13 the Nevada City Council approved awarding a construction contract for the Searls Avenue sidewalk extension project to Hanson Brothers in an amount not to exceed $1,104,155, authorized a 10% contingency (up to approximately $110,416), and directed the city manager to execute related documents.

City Engineer Bridal described the project as a community-requested sidewalk filling a missing link from Valley to Sacramento Avenue, connecting existing sidewalks near the freeway and Clark Street. Staff said the project advances pedestrian safety, connectivity to 7 Hills Middle School and includes traffic-calming elements; the Public Art Commission requested reserving space on a retaining wall for future artwork, which council approved.

Public commenters suggested additional stop signs and traffic-calming measures and asked to review project drawings; staff indicated the project includes lighting and crosswalk improvements at the bottom of Sacramento where sight distance is better. Council made a motion to award the contract, preserve a location for a future piece of public art, and authorize the city manager to execute documents; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with unanimous support among members present.

The approved action authorizes construction contracting and contingency funding. Staff emphasized that final construction timing will depend on contract execution and scheduling and that more detailed design steps had been completed to prepare for procurement.