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Clemson awards $1.78 million contract for College Avenue streetscape; city warns of heavy downtown disruption
Summary
Council approved a $1,777,394.50 award to Trace Clearing & Grading for College Avenue Phase 1A with a $300,000 contingency; staff said work could begin as early as 2026 and will be disruptive during construction but transformational for downtown accessibility and outdoor dining.
CLEMSON — The City Council voted to award the College Avenue Phase 1A streetscape improvements contract to Trace Clearing & Grading for $1,777,394.50 and approved a $300,000 contingency to cover expected unknowns in downtown utilities.
Mr. Woods, who presented the bid results, said Trace Clearing & Grading previously completed the Abel project and submitted the lowest responsive bid for the streetscape. Staff said the project will include sidewalk upgrades, stormwater improvements, ADA compliance work and underground utility coordination including planned fiber upgrades.
"This will be disruptive," staff warned, noting buried utilities and potential surprises under downtown streets. Council and staff said they have met repeatedly with downtown business owners and will coordinate scheduling and communications, with an eye toward completing major work before university graduation.
Council members discussed traffic pattern changes during construction and acknowledged the project’s long-term benefits for pedestrian access and outdoor dining. The motion to award the contract passed by voice vote.
Staff said construction could begin as early as early 2026 once contractor availability and coordination with downtown stakeholders are confirmed.
