Gig Harbor council approves $817,028 Parametrix amendment to expand Soundview pavement design and add illumination

Gig Harbor's City Council on Feb. 9 unanimously approved a professional services contract amendment with Parametrix to expand pavement maintenance design work and add illumination planning on Soundview Drive.

The approved amendment, described in staff presentations, expands the existing scope to include Soundview Drive (from Erickson Street to the Hollycroft intersection), downtown Harborview Drive and Borgen Boulevard and authorizes Parametrix to design pavement maintenance, ADA upgrades, traffic-calming measures and illumination along the Soundview corridor. Council member Martin moved the measure and it passed 6-0.

Public Works Director Jeff Langham introduced the item and said staff recommended moving forward with the complete amendment, including illumination design, to improve safety along the Soundview corridor. "We have before you tonight a request to authorize a professional services contract amendment with an existing consultant for some pavement maintenance work," Langham said.

Senior engineer Steven Demmer told the council the current work will shift from deferred status into the 2026 design schedule and that staff expects most sections will receive a grind-and-repave treatment while some deteriorated areas may need full-depth replacement depending on geotechnical recommendations. "Our suggested motion is to approve contract amendment number 1 for the pavement maintenance and ADA improvements project," Demmer said.

Council members pressed staff on the fiscal implications of delaying construction. Council member Martin noted possible cost impacts of postponing work and asked for clarity. Langham and staff warned that construction costs are likely to rise; Langham said the construction cost index had been increasing. "As Steve said, we are going to see construction costs is likely increasing ... the construction cost index has been going up probably in the 5 to 10% per year range," he said.

Council member Tessaccini raised a question about an apparent reference to a separate lift-station contract appearing in the packet appendix; staff clarified the lift-station item is a separate contract that had been included in the materials in error and offered to provide a page citation for council review.

Staff said the design work for all three corridors will take place in 2026, with phased construction in 2027 to limit traffic impacts. The council approved the authorization for the mayor to execute the amendment in an amount not to exceed $817,027.85.

The motion passed 6-0, and staff said they will return with design updates and related budget details during the 2026 work program and upcoming budget cycles.