title
Resolution Awarding a Construction Contract for the Front Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project to Saffo Contractors, Inc. in the Amount of $2,449,650
body
Department:
Engineering
Meeting Date:
2/17/2026
Contact Name:
Kyle Burden
Public Hearing:
No
Contact Phone:
(910) 341-7808
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Resolution; Attachment #2: Certified Bid Tabulation
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the award of a construction contract to Saffo Contractors Inc., of Wilmington, NC ("Saffo"), in the amount of $2,449,650 for the Front Street Bridge Rehabilitation project ("Project").
BACKGROUND:
The Front Street Bridge, located on Front Street between Hanover Street and Red Cross Street, was originally constructed in 1965, and has received nominal repairs since then. The current load rating of the bridge is 27 tons, and per the most recent NCDOT inspection report, it is recommended that the load rating be reduced to 25 tons. The City's Bridge Asset Management Plan, updated in 2024, recommended a bridge deck replacement and superstructure rehabilitation to remove the load posting and extend the useful life for another 25 years.
The Project previously received bids on May 1, 2025. Upon review, one of the bidders was not pre-qualified with NCDOT for the specified scope of work for the Project, and the other bidders were significantly over the Project budget. A re-bid opening was held on October 21, 2025, during which 3 bids were received, with one bid subsequently withdrawn. Saffo was determined to be the lowest responsive, responsible bidder following the withdrawal.
The Project consists of a full concrete bridge deck replacement, repairs to the existing steel structure, recoating/painting of the existing steel structure, and implementation of a 3 bar metal rail system that meets current NCDOT standards and specifications for pedestrian and vehicle safety.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is n...
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