Things are rolling a little smoother in the City of Laurel, thanks to construction work as a part of the city’s 2020 Overlay Project.
As a part of the overall plan, the city awarded construction of the city’s 2020 Overlay Project to Walters Construction Company, Inc. for more than $1.5 million, which included paving of 24th Street.
Also, the City of Laurel is working to improve 5th Avenue from Central Avenue to Northview Drive and along 13th Avenue from Jefferson Street to 12th Street with milling, overlay and drainage improvements.
Neel-Schaffer serves as engineer for these projects and has been contracted to provide professional services for design, construction administration, and resident project representation for the proposed projects.
According to city documents, the 5th Avenue and 13th Avenue Drainage and Roadway Improvement Project has been separated into two projects.
The 13th Avenue Overlay and Drainage Improvements Project has previously been advertised for bids and awarded for construction.
Neel-Schaffer prepared plans and specifications for the project known as 5th Avenue Overlay and Drainage Improvement Project.
On April 20, 2020, the bids for the project were received and Walters Construction Company submitted a bid of $2,397,762.39. The council awarded the construction contract to Walters Construction Company.
Ward Four Councilman George Carmichael said he’s glad that this project has now come into reality.
“This has been a long time coming,” Carmichael said. “We had to do a lot of work before we got to the paving portion of the project, and now it’s here.”
Walters Construction began work on 24th Street last month and has since completed the paving.
“It’s a good thing for the residents,” Councilman Carmichael said. “I’m just glad that we are finally getting this work done.”
Officials said the city’s overall overlay project includes work in various parts of the city.
The Laurel City Council is expected to consider Change Order No. 1 of the 2020 Overlay Project during its meeting Tuesday. According to city documents, during construction of the 2020 Overlay Project, the city decided to enclose the ditches along 5th Avenue between 27th Street and just south of Lindsey Drive.
The cost of enclosing the ditches is approximately $147,500 and will add approximately 21 days to the project. The administration is asking the council for authorization to approve the change order and to make any necessary budget amendments.
The council will meet at 5:30 Tuesday in the Council Chambers at Laurel City Hall.