MDOT bids for Pickle Road bridge come in slightly above estimate; county budget can cover local match

Adams County staff reported that MDOT received four bids on the Pickle Road Bridge 27 project. The engineer’s estimate was $1,358,565; the apparent low bid was $1,384,132.52, about $23,960.02 higher than the estimate. County staff told commissioners the local match for the project would be $365,732.52 if required.

"The low bid was $1,384,132.52...That difference is only $23,960.02, but it is affordable as it is," county staff member Nate said while briefing the commissioners. Staff emphasized that MDOT must make a final appropriation of federal funds across projects, and that MDOT’s central office may reallocate funds so projects below estimate can receive monies freed by higher bids elsewhere.

Why it matters: the funding outcome determines timing and whether the county must contribute the local match; staff said the county already has funding budgeted for the local share but that no automatic obligation exists until MDOT finalizes the letting.

Timing and contractors: staff said Milestone Contractors was the apparent low bidder and that final scheduling will be known once a contract is executed. Construction windows discussed were late in the current year or spring of next year, depending on Milestone’s workload.

What’s next: staff will monitor MDOT’s final funding allocation and will notify the board when a contract is ready for approval and scheduling.

Attribution: Quotes and figures are drawn from the staff report presented during the meeting; the $23,960.02 difference and the $365,732.52 local match figures were given by Nate (staff).