Southern Shores council awards $1.67 million contract to replace Juniper culvert on Trinity Trail

The Southern Shores Town Council voted 4–0 on Oct. 10 to award a $1,667,178.70 construction contract to Smith Rowe LLC to replace an aluminum culvert with a prefabricated core‑slab bridge on Trinity Trail, and authorized the town manager to issue the notice of award and execute the contract upon review by the town attorney.

Council member Cliff, who led the staff presentation, said the town followed the formal bid process required for projects over $500,000, including a nonmandatory pre‑bid meeting on Sept. 26 and a public bid opening on Oct. 4. "Based on the certified bid tabulation, it appears that Smith Rowe is the qualified low bidder," Cliff said, citing Kimley Horn's recommendation and a combined base bid of $1,667,178.70.

Why it matters: the town sought a quick decision to avoid delaying in‑water work; once the notice to proceed is issued, the contractor will have 180 days for substantial completion and 210 days for final completion. Cliff said construction administration and construction engineering/inspection work remain under negotiation and that NCDOT has staff available to assist on site. He estimated CA and CEI costs at roughly 7–8 percent of the project ("less than $200,000" by his estimate), subject to final agreements.

During discussion, a council member raised concerns about the bridge's aesthetic fit with the neighborhood and said they felt unprepared to proceed. "I don't think we're ready," the member said, questioning whether the design incorporated softer materials or alternative rails and warning of potential cost increases from later change orders. Cliff responded that modest aesthetic treatments are possible — "we have the ability to do that" — including stamped concrete, painting rails or adding a town seal, but that more extensive changes would add cost and must meet DOT standards.

Another council member urged using subtle beautification "within the existing contract," suggesting imprints of live oaks or herons on abutments if it does not trigger a change order. Cliff also described staging plans and public‑notice needs for boaters during in‑water work and said Smith Rowe has coastal experience and committed to completing in‑water work by Feb. 15.

The motion to award, which combined three staff requests (award to Smith Rowe LLC for $1,667,178.70; authorize the town manager to issue the notice of award; and authorize the town manager to execute the contract upon town‑attorney review), was made by Cliff and seconded by another council member. The council chair called the question and the motion carried 4–0.

Next steps: staff will issue the notice of award, finalize the contract consistent with North Carolina timing requirements, negotiate CA/CEI agreements and coordinate public communications for staging and boat notifications. Council members said they expect staff to return with any necessary design‑or‑cost clarifications during administration of the contract.