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Mayor says underpass contractor revision puts city share under $350,000; railing costs excluded
Summary
Mayor reported ARDOT and contractor negotiations cut the city’s expected cost for a trail underpass to under $350,000 but the price excludes the vehicle‑safety railing on top of the tunnel; council discussed leaving stub conduit and sourcing local fabricators for the railing.
The mayor told the City Council that negotiations with ARDOT and the contractor produced a revised cost estimate that should leave the city’s obligation under $350,000 for the underpass/trail tunnel project.
Council and staff clarified that the revised figure does not include the vehicle‑safety railing along the top of the tunnel; the mayor said ARDOT will place concrete with holes left for future railing installation so the city can return later to install the rail. He said local fabricators have been asked about donating or providing a railing solution at lower cost.
Members asked whether the structure is a single box culvert intended only for the trail and whether the design creates drainage issues. The mayor and ARDOT representative (Jason Huey, referenced) said the tunnel is a single box for trail use and was not intended as a drainage feature; ARDOT representatives reportedly guaranteed it would not create drainage problems on the trail.
Council discussed lighting and conduit stubbed for future wiring; the mayor said lighting is not included in the current contract but wiring was planned so the city could add lights later. Members endorsed moving ahead with the contract paperwork and returning to the council with the official submittal when it arrives.
What’s next: staff will circulate the contractor’s official submittal when received and follow up on the costs and potential local fabrication options for the railing.
