The City Council unanimously approved the bid to replace the Central Avenue Bridge at its September 12 meeting — a nearly $2 million project to be subsidized by 80 percent in state taxpayer money.
The City Council unanimously approved the bid to replace the Central Avenue Bridge at its September 12 meeting — a nearly $2 million project to be subsidized by 80 percent in state taxpayer money. The City’s share of engineering, design, and construction costs, totaling about $400,000, would be bonded over 20 years.
Work to replace the 57-year-old bridge over Blind Brook, destroyed during the April 2007 flood, will take 12 to 14 months.
The Council followed the recommendation of the City Engineer in accepting the low construction bid of $1,330,890 from ELQ Industries. The City Engineer estimated those costs could have totaled more than $1,449,800. Other costs include engineering and design work, and interest paid on the bond.
Arnold Lewis of Loewen Court thanked the Councilmembers, saying it’s been “five long years” waiting for relief. Lewis said he and his neighbors are looking forward to completion of the project.
