By Sara Beth Williams–
The second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Project is expected to cost over $30 million, according to a proposal under consideration by the Citrus Heights City Council this week.
After previous plans to begin Phase 2 of the project stalled, due to construction bids for the project coming in at $10 million over budget, a new bid is slated for consideration at the upcoming Citrus Heights City Council meeting on Thursday, May 9.
City staff are recommending the council approve four resolutions regarding Phase 2 of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Project.
- Construction Contract Resolution: This resolution will authorize the City Manager to enter into a construction contract with George Reed, Inc. for $28,918,864.50.
- Construction Management Resolution: This resolution will authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for construction management, inspection, and materials testing services necessary during the construction of the project with Psomas for up to $3,592,645.86.
- Construction Design Support Resolution: This resolution will authorize the City Manager to amend an existing agreement with Bennett Engineering Services, Inc. for additional scope to provide engineering support services through the duration of construction up to an additional amount of $110,383.87.
- System Enhancement Agreement with SMUD: This resolution will authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with SMUD in order to access $1,365,323 in financial support from SMUD’s SD-14 System Enhancement Program for the undergrounding of utilities.
In late 2023, construction bids had come in at $10 million over budget, exceeding the engineer’s original estimate by 34 percent, according to the city. A recommendation to reject all bids and revise and re-advertise the contract was approved by the council during a Feb. 8 council meeting. Revised contracts were posted on the city’s website for a re-bid on Feb. 15.
Related: Bids for Auburn Blvd project come in at $10M over budget – Citrus Heights Sentinel
Since the original bid opening date, modifications have been made to the original bid documents, including removing temporary traffic controls, which would result in allowing 24-hour lane closures while the work is active, thus minimizing associated labor and costs; coordinating with SMUD to modify backfill requirements for underground trenching; and reducing the amount of storm drain replacement.
A total of four bids were received. The lowest bid from George Reed, Inc. came in at $28,918,864.
Plans for the second phase of revitalization include the undergrounding of overhead utility lines, the installation of bike lanes and wider sidewalks, upgrading signals, adding decorative street lighting, new landscaping and trees, upgrading storm drains, roadway resurfacing, enhanced transit stops, and a new gateway sign over the boulevard.
Related: What’s going on with plans to improve Auburn Boulevard? – Citrus Heights Sentinel
According to a previous Sentinel report, plans also show new center medians with designated turn lanes to be installed along most of the corridor, which have drawn controversy from business owners.
The Boulevard Plan, adopted in 2005, set the framework for revitalizing Auburn Boulevard from Sylvan Corners to the northern city limits. The Auburn Boulevard Project is the City’s largest public works project, with Phase 1 (Sylvan Corners to Rusch Park) completed in 2014.
Phase II of the project was anticipated to begin in 2021, but that date has been pushed back several times.
Those wishing to make a public comment during the upcoming City Council meeting can do so by attending the next council meeting held at City Hall or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. See the full agenda packet online: Click here.
