A Cambridge contractor will complete work on a new crossing of the Mill Run Trail on Speedsville Road at a higher cost than originally planned.
The plan to ensure the safety of hikers and cyclists crossing Speedsville Road was originally budgeted at $112,000 but came in $139,200 after staff was able to negotiate the price down from the winning bidder, Hardscape Concrete and Interlock.
Earlier this year, the city undertook an open competitive process for a Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover to be completed in two phases.
Phase one consisted of a detailed design as per recommendations made in a review of the crossing. In phase two, the city went through the tender process to secure a qualified contractor to complete the installation.
The tender came in more than $42,000 over budget but staff was able to negotiate a reduction in the bid price of $15,104.
Staff attribute the increased cost "to the under estimation of the Traffic Management and Mobilization portion during the design process."
The city plans to fund the budget overage from the Capital Works Reserve Fund and Development Charges – Roadways Reserve Fund.
Work is expected to begin soon to install a pedestrian crossover complete with flashing beacon signs, pavement markings, illumination and concrete landing pads.
The move comes more than a year after the Cambridge Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee was consulted about the proposal after the city heard several concerns from trail users about the volume and speed of traffic on Speedsville Road.
