Title
Consider awarding a construction contract for the installation of Phase II landscape improvements at the Dave Lyle Blvd./I-77 Interchange (Exit 79) to Blythe Development in the amount of $466,945.70.
Strategic Goal: Complete improvements at the I-77/Dave Lyle Boulevard interchange to enhance business opportunities and traffic flow.
Body
In November, 2005 the city submitted to SCDOT an Adopt-An-Interchange application for the beautification of the Dave Lyle Blvd/I-77 interchange. This program provides opportunities for local government agencies to work with SCDOT in landscaping and irrigating key interstate interchanges. Adopt-An-Interchange funds can pay up to 80% when local government agencies provide 20% matching funds. The applicant is responsible for the long-term maintenance and irrigation of the landscape improvements.
Our application which included a project scope, a landscape design, a cost estimate, a maintenance plan and a funding source was approved. The project scope included not only the interchange but connections east and west along Dave Lyle Blvd. to join with city street improvements in the area. The estimated cost for the total project was $1,370,000. Due to program funding limitations SCDOT requested that the City phase the project over several years. The first phase of the project which included the four quadrants of the interchange bounded by the access ramps was approved by council in August of 2006 and was completed in 2009. In 2007 council approved a second joint participation agreement with SCDOT for Phase II which triggered design and permitting work by the City.
The agreement contains these major points:
1. DOT to contribute 80% of project costs up to a maximum of $250,000
2. CRH to contribute remainder of project costs, $370,000 from RR TIF
3. CRH to commit to supplying long term maintenance of the improvements
4. CRH to provide design and construction management
5. CRH will establish a community relations plan for the project
A 2008 engineering estimate projected the cost at $620,000.
Design, OH, Contingency 175,063
Irrigation system 35,000
Curb/gutter, sidewalk, sewer 281,356
Landscaping 128,581
Total $620,000
Project Description:
Approximately 1600 feet of Dave Lyle Boulevard will be landscaped and planted to provide an inviting entrance to the Manchester shopping district. This landscape treatment will be a continuation of the Phase I improvements made to the interchange quadrants. The planting schedule includes trees, shrubs, and flowers. All plants and trees will be irrigated.
In addition to the landscaping, the streetscape improvements along Dave Lyle Blvd. from the exit/entrance ramps westward to John Ross Blvd. will include curb and gutter, storm sewer improvements, sidewalks and traffic improvements.
Current Status
This project was competitively bid according to City, State and Federal guidelines. The low bid of $466,945.70 was submitted by Blythe Development of Charlotte, NC. This bid is considerably less than the engineering estimate due primarily to a storm sewer redesign and cost compression. Work is planned to begin in May with substantial completion within 120 days.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Blythe Development be awarded the contract for the construction of the Dave Lyle Blvd./I-77 Interchange Phase II Improvements in the amount of $466,945.70.
The City Manager will make a recommendation on a process for resloving any possible conflicts between this enhancement project and the proposed CMAQ Traffic Improvement Project.