Lucas City Council authorizes $17.99 million contract to widen West Lucas Road

The Lucas City Council on Monday authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Tiscio Paving Company for up to $17,996,144.60 to reconstruct and widen West Lucas Road, with contingency funds and right‑of‑way acquisitions included.

City project manager Hilburn described the work as “the West Lucas Road widening project,” saying design services were completed by BCC Engineering and that right‑of‑way acquisition and construction management firms are engaged. Staff reported nine complete bids, with amounts ranging from just under $18 million to just under $24 million and recommended the lowest responsible bidder.

Council highlighted funding breakdowns and contingencies. The presentation listed the roadway portion at about $16,609,093, a water‑utility-related force main relocation funded from the water fund (approximately $1,387,000 in improvements), and recommended contingencies (10% on improvements; 5% on the roadway). Hilburn said staff used a mix of 2019 Certificate of Obligation funds and impact fees to reduce the debt burden on other accounts.

Councilors pressed staff on schedule and penalties. Staff said the contract allows 720 non‑precipitation construction days before liquidated damages apply and that the daily liquidated damages rate is $2,000 after the allotted construction period. A pre‑construction meeting will set an official start date.

Mayor (speaker 1) moved to approve the authorization; the motion was seconded and carried. The council did not record a separate roll‑call tally for this motion in the transcript beyond the mayor's announcement that the motion passed.

The city will encumber funds to the listed project accounts and will set a construction start date after the pre‑construction meeting.