REDMOND — New sidewalks, curbs and shared bicycle and pedestrian paths are part of a $6.9 million contract to improve South Canal Boulevard approved by the Redmond City Council on Tuesday night.

The project focuses on bike paths and sidewalk reconstruction on South Canal Boulevard, from Obsidian Avenue south to the roundabout at 27th and Yew Avenue.

It includes new pavement, curbs, sidewalks, left-turn lanes and a shared bicycle and pedestrian pathway along the Central Oregon Irrigation District canal. The new corridor will feature trees and other landscaping.

“It is way below our standard, and it needs improvement,” said Mike Caccavano, city engineer. “When you ask about what can be improved in our transportation system, South Canal (Boulevard) is always at the top of the list.”

The contract was awarded to Knife River-Northwest Inc., which was not the lowest bid the city received. It was chosen because of its plan to reduce the impact on existing business in the area during construction.

According to staff reports, construction projects are typically awarded to the lowest bidder; however, staff was allowed to score the five proposals based on the impact to the businesses on the South Canal Boulevard corridor, as well.

A heavily trafficked area with many residential blocks and local businesses, the contractor was tasked with how best to minimize the affect on the neighborhood.

“The challenge is reconstructing a big piece of infrastructure and minimizing the impact,” Caccavano said. “We don’t want to catch anyone by surprise.”

The city put out a request for proposals in December and received five. Two proposals were submitted with lower bids than Knife River’s.

Knife River’s proposal included the use of a public relations firm to help better communicate with the community regarding the timeline and different phases that will decrease the number and sizes of multiple detours, Caccavano said.

“I think it’s a great idea to use a PR firm in the project,” said Councilor Ginny McPherson.

The proposal also plans to tear out the existing pavement and base rock and reuse the materials for a new base layer. This idea will reduce the total $6.9 million cost and save nearly $300,000 in hauling costs.

“(Knife River) made the project better and improved the cost,” Caccavano said.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March and wrap up in April 2019. It will be done in phases to reduce the impact of detours to residents and businesses. Residents will still have local access during times of full road closures.

City staff looked at the selection process that was based on merit similar to the one used during the reconstruction of Sixth Street in 2013, said Mayor George Endicott.

“When we looked at the least adverse impact on community, working on short sections as fast as possible seemed to work well,” he said.

Councilor Jon Bullock expressed concern about possibly setting a precedent for any future bidding process, but ultimately the council voted in favor of awarding the contract to Knife River, 6-0, as councilor Joe Centanni was absent.

— Reporter: 541-617-7829, acolosky@bendbulletin.com