Bangor will likely tap Benchmark Construction for $3.5M transit center project
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Construction for the planned 2,200-square-foot transit center in Bangor, shown here in a recent rendering, may be awarded to Benchmark Construction for $3.45 million.
Despite receiving higher-than-expected bids for the construction of a new transit center, the city of Bangor is ready to award a $3.45 million contract to one of the bidders.
According to a city memo, Westbrook-based Benchmark Construction is the recommended choice among four contractors whose proposals were considered for the planned 2,200-square-foot transportation hub at 25 Water St.
The city originally earmarked $1.6 million for construction, with most of it coming from a Federal Transit Administration grant. But each of the bids, received in June, came with a far higher price tag.
Benchmark proposed a base bid of $2,966,000, plus optional construction of a larger building canopy and heated sidewalks, bringing the final offer of $3,446,000. Higher bids came from three other companies: DP Porter Contractors Inc., of Hermon, King Construction Services, of Machias, and Nickerson & O’Day Inc., of Brewer.
“This increase in pricing has a lot to do with site soil conditions, volatility of the current bidding climate, and unexpected long lead times on material, which will require the project to extend over two construction seasons,” the Aug. 11 memo read.
City planners sought additional funding from the Maine Department of Transportation, and on Aug. 6 received a pledge of $1.8 million, requiring a local match of $448,000. Bangor is working with the Community Connector bus service to secure the additional funds, according to the memo.
The city’s Engineering Department and Community Connector officials recommend awarding the construction project to Benchmark, but the award still requires approval of the City Council.
Artifex Architects & Engineers of Bangor was hired last September to do the design work.
Dubbed the Bangor Transit Center at Pickering Square, the one-story building will one-story building will incorporate Americans With Disabilities Act-accessible elements to enhance usability and mobility. Amenities will include heating and air conditioning, an enclosed waiting area, outside shelters and interactive schedule information kiosks, public restrooms and a bus operators' break room and private restroom.
Construction is anticipated to begin this summer.
The council’s Finance Committee will meet at 5:25 p.m. Monday in City Hall to discuss the bid decision and make possible recommendations.
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