Newman Council awards $1.045 million Measure L contract to United Pavement Maintenance for L Street reconstruction

The Newman City Council on June 23 voted to accept the low bid and award a $1,045,416.79 contract to United Pavement Maintenance for the 2026 Measure L Road Rehabilitation Project.

"United Pavement Maintenance came in at the low bid of 1,045,416 dollars and 79 cents," said Thomas, the staff member who presented the project. He described the work as a reconstruction and rehabilitation effort using Measure L funds that covers L Street from Inyo to Kern, portions of M Street from Merced to Kern, and the Tulare and Fresno sections between L and M streets. The project includes new asphalt, concrete pavement, aggregate base and some storm-drain improvements.

Thomas told the council the project will be phased so most residents retain property access during construction; a full rebuild section on L Street from Inyo to Merced will require a closure. Depending on the contractor’s schedule the city expects a mid-July start and a construction window of about two to three months. Staff said they will post signage noting Measure L funding and will coordinate with major local businesses affected by closures, including Saputo and Newman Flange, to plan traffic routing and minimize disruption.

Council members asked why M Street was not included end-to-end in the bid package; staff explained the M Street section between Merced and Yolo had been recently redone and did not require work. The council moved, seconded and voted 5–0 to award the contract and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement.

Next steps: city staff will finalize the construction schedule with the contractor, place required signage, notify affected residents and businesses, and report project progress to the council.