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Council awards Main Street (Route 1) design contract to Par Corporation
Summary
Council approved a contract award to Par Corporation for design and engineering of the Main Street (Route 1) resurfacing, sidewalk and streetscape rehabilitation project; the town's design fee was reported around $539k with ARPA and Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank funds covering the town share.
The council voted to award a design and engineering contract for the Main Street (Route 1) rehabilitation project to Par Corporation after a competitive process. The town will fund design costs — reported in the transcript in the $539k range — using $300,000 in ARPA funds and a Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank grant for the balance. The work will include roadway resurfacing, ADA sidewalk and crosswalk reconstruction, drainage improvements, streetscape and pedestrian amenities across roughly two‑thirds of a mile from Division Street to 1st Avenue.
Public works director Fred Gomes described the procurement and recommended Par after negotiations with an initially higher‑priced vendor stalled. Gomes said the firm has state and out‑of‑state experience and an ‘‘aggressive’’ timeline to move the design forward, noting the state DOT and Federal Highway approvals required for work on a state‑designated route. The council approved the contract award on a unanimous vote.
Councilors asked about burying utilities and sewer sequencing; staff said Par's scope excludes undergrounding utilities but will include a feasibility estimate, and that slip‑lining of the sewer main will precede paving. Officials said construction bidding is targeted for early 2027 with construction in 2027–28 depending on final scope and funding.
