AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Fordham Boulevard Sidepath Between Cleland Drive and Willow Drive Bid Award and Construction Contract
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Atuya Cornwell, Director, Parks & Recreation Department
Bergen Watterson, Mobility and Greenways Manager, Planning Department
Marcia Purvis, Principal Planner, Parks & Recreation Department
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Staff recommends that the Council:
• Adopt the attached resolution awarding a bid and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Lanier Construction Company, in an amount of $2,363,978.32.
• Authorize the Town Manager to approve change orders as necessary provided that the contract cost remains within the budgeted amount.
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LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT*
The Town solicited formal bids, pursuant to N.C.G.S 143-129.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
• The Fordham Boulevard Sidepath is an important connection in the Town’s Everywhere to Everywhere Greenway network, and will provide off-road access to public housing, athletic fields, residential neighborhoods, UPlace, and the Blue Hill commercial district.
o The project includes replacement of the existing asphalt sidepath from Cleland Drive to Ridgefield Road with a new concrete path that meets current design standards. A new concrete path will be constructed between Ridgefield Road and Willow Drive. The project will also include intersection improvements at South Estes Drive, Ridgefield Road, and Walnut Street.
• In February and March of 2020, Council discussed alignment options for the Fordham Boulevard Sidepath after hearing concerns from adjacent neighbors. Council ultimately adopted a resolution directing staff to proceed with design of the sidepath along Fordham Boulevard within the NCDOT right-of-way.
• The project is funded with federal funds, including Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives (TAP),and Community Project Funding (CPF). Local funding is provided through the 2015 and 2024 Streets and Sidewalks Bonds. It is managed by Town staff with oversight and approvals by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
• The Town initiated planning and design for the project in early 2018. Staff originally advertised the project for bid twice unsuccessfully in 2023 - once due to lack of three bids and the next due to insufficient funds. In 2026, the project was advertised for bid on May 12, 2026 and a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on May 19, 2026. The Town received five bids on June 2, 2026, and qualified Lanier Construction Company as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.
• Staff anticipate that the contractor will begin work in August of this year and construction is expected to last 12-15 months.
• Town staff, the Construction Administration firm (yet to be hired), and the Communications team will conduct public outreach prior to beginning construction. Information on project progress will be available to the public on the ’projects Engage HQ page. <https://engage.chapelhillnc.gov/fordham-boulevard-sidepath>
• The final contract award is contingent on NCDOT concurrence with the bid amount, which is expected in June or July.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total project funding is $5,765,000 and includes a combination of federal funding and local funding. Federal funding amounts to $3,003,400 and is made up of Surface Area Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives (TAP), and Community Project Funding (CPF). Local funds, totaling $2,761,600, is made up of 2015 and 2024 Streets and Sidewalks Bonds. The funding has been used for design and engineering services, and will be used for construction, construction administration, utility relocation, improvements such as acoustic fencing and landscaping along the trail, and NCDOT administration fees.
Attachment
Resolution
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