(Posted Aug. 25, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Madison County Engineer’s Office is reviewing a new bid for improvements at the intersection of U.S. Route 42 and West Avenue near Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City.
The project calls for adding lefthand turn lanes on Route 42, widening the intersection, and adding a traffic signal.
The original estimate, prepared by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), was $662,183. The county received one bid in its first attempt in July, but the bid was far over budget at $902,834.
After taking a second look at the scope of the project, ODOT revised its estimate to $900,000. A second bid opening was held Aug. 22. Once again, one bid was received, from the same contractor, Decker Construction of Columbus. The new bid is $906,401.
The county is permitted to accept bids if they are within 10 percent of the estimate. Bryan Dhume, county engineer, said he will review Decker’s bid to be sure it covers all aspects of the project, then report back to the county commissioners for possible approval.
Federal funding secured through the County Engineers Association will cover the cost of the project. If approved, work will start in mid-September, Dhume said, with roadwork done by Dec. 1 and the traffic signal installed by March 1. Traffic will be maintained throughout the project.
Regarding the lack of multiple bids, Dhume said it’s likely a reflection of the market. Construction companies are flooded with work right now, he said.
“This is the biggest construction year for ODOT,” he commented.
