SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — At last night’s South Hutchinson city council meeting, the agenda was amended to add an item to discuss the Scott Boulevard bridge project with Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain and consider a motion to approve the low bidder.
The Council approved the low bid submitted by Mies Construction for $392,295.71. Unfortunately, this was significantly higher than the engineer’s estimate of $265,000.
After accounting for engineering costs and grant proceeds, the total cost for the project to South Hutchinson will be $268,755.71 barring any unforeseen change orders.
Based on the final estimates provided by PEC last year, South Hutchinson will save at least $275,000 before factoring increases in costs of goods, materials, and services.
City Manager Joseph Turner believes the city is likely to have saved in excess of $400,000 as a direct result of the assistance provided by Mr. Brittain and Reno County.
"On behalf of the South Hutchinson City Council and taxpayers, I would like to personally express my gratitude and appreciation for Mr. Brittain’s assistance and leadership on this project," Turner said.
The next step is for KDOT officials to accept and approve the bids. That should happen in a short period and then it will be up to the contractor to schedule the work.
Once they start, the contract requires them to complete the project within 60 business days, barring any major weather delays.