MUKILTEO — A trio of projects meant to improve pedestrian safety on busy roads in Mukilteo may be put on hold.
City officials had planned to spend up to $180,000 installing crosswalk beacons in front of schools on Harbour Pointe Boulevard and digital speed indicators on Chennault Beach Road and Highway 525.
However, none of the four companies that submitted bids for the work made an offer for less than $245,000. That’s $65,000 more than the city budgeted.
The Mukilteo City Council plans to discuss how to proceed at a 7 p.m. meeting today at City Hall, 4480 Chennault Beach Road.
“There’s a public safety issue there,” City Council President Randy Lord said. “These are relatively busy streets with kids trying to cross the streets.”
Although the city had $180,000 budgeted for the projects, the city’s engineer estimated the work would cost about $168,000.
Prices might have come in higher than anticipated because of an unusual shortage of electricians or because of concern about the rising costs of some construction materials, city planners said in a memo to council members.
City staff is recommending the City Council restart the bidding process now or in the fall, in hopes of getting lower bids. The staff also is asking the council to consider paying more to complete the work now.
Lord said he expects the council to ask for a better analysis of the costs before contracts are approved.
“We’re certainly trying to watch our money carefully,” he said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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