News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Livingston is moving forward with its sidewalk rehabilitation project for East Broad Street and East Main Street despite a major price increase.
Project Coordinator Ray Evans said the latest estimate is about sixty-one percent higher than their original expectation. Evans said the cost increased because their initial estimate is from when they were awarded the grant for the project in 2020.
“We believe that there is a possibility of some additional state funds through another program and we’re pursuing those,” Evans said. “And if we can get those I’m certain that there will still be some additional local funds necessary to offset the increase.”
Evans said he contacted multiple general contractors in the area and they all confirmed that the increase matches inflation seen throughout the construction industry. Evans said they plan to start taking bids in November or December and proceed with construction in 2025.
“We’re also getting into a season where lots of things happen on the courthouse square,” Evans said. “With Fall-O-Ween, with Christmas in the Country, et cetera.”
Evans said the project will have a six-to-eight month construction period and is set to finish by the end of 2025.
“It’s probably a six-month construction period but you never know,” Evans said. “Old sidewalks that have been covered up by debris for years and such that there’s always going to be a surprise or two.”
Evans said the contractor will close off one of the lanes of a street, clear off all the existing sidewalks, replace them, add new sidewalks as needed, then move to the other side of street and repeat the process.
“Without question, both Main and Broad will have some one lane situations during the construction period,” Evans said. “From a practicality and a safety standpoint it will just be a necessary thing. By the way, we’ve coordinated with all the property owners, they understand exactly what we’re doing and understand the expectations and we will be continually communicating with them through the construction period.”
