South Avenue sidewalk contract awarded

City commissioners approved a contract for $120,667 to S & J Construction Specialists, LLC, for sidewalk improvements on South Avenue, from Sixth Street to Twelfth Street.

Traffic Engineering Manager Mike Lane said the project will provide accessible sidewalks, new driveway approaches, curbs and ramps.

In addition, a retaining wall will be built on one property with a steep slope so the sidewalk can be built with the required ADA slope.

There are several blocks in the designated area which have never had sidewalks, as well as others where improvements are necessary.

The bid by S&J was 81 percent of the engineer’s estimated cost of $149,890, Lane said.

The project is being paid in part by a Community Development Block Grant and from funds raised by the street sales tax.