161 KV TRANSMISSION LINE RECONSTRUCTION - IOWA DOT I-35 & 290TH STREET PROJECT
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is carrying out highway improvements along Interstate 35 north of Ankeny. These improvements include construction where 290th Street crosses I-35 in Story County. The City owns a 161kV electric transmission line that is situated on private property adjacent to IDOT right of way in this area. The IDOT construction project will require temporary relocation of a portion of the transmission line in vicinity of 290th Street. All costs associated with this relocation project will be reimbursed by the IDOT.
On March 24, 2026, Council approved a professional services agreement with DGR Engineering for the design and engineering of this project. The engineer’s estimate for the construction phase of this relocation project is $1,323,245. Council also previously approved an engineering reimbursement agreement with IDOT in the total amount of $383,400, which includes $291,000 for engineering services and $92,400 for easement acquisition. The easement acquisition will be performed by the IDOT and is not included in the City's project cost.
On August 11, 2026, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for the 161kV Transmission Line Reconstruction - Iowa DOT I-35 & 290th Street project. An Invitation to Bid was posted to AmesBids by Purchasing. A legal notice was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service with statewide circulation. On September 16, 2026, nine bids were received as shown below.
| BIDDER | COST |
|
Watts Electric Company Waverly, NE |
$753,839.37 |
|
IES Commercial, Inc. Holdrege, NE |
$913,990.06 |
|
The L. E. Myers Co. (The L.E. Myers Co.) Marshalltown, IA |
$999,439.03 |
|
Altitude Energy, LLC Keenesburg, CO |
$1,093,000.00 |
|
Ward Electric Company LLC Longmont, CO |
$1,113,094.18 |
|
INTREN, LLC Union, IL |
$1,171,869.19 |
|
Hooper Corporation Madison, WI |
$1,244,530.05 |
|
Michels Power, Inc. Neenah, Wi |
$2,232,908.47 |
|
GMB Powerline Services, LLC Charleston, WV |
Non-Responsive |
Staff and DGR Engineering reviewed the bids and determined the bid from GMB Powerline Services was non-responsive, as they did not include the material pricing. It was determined the low bid from Watts Electric Company, of Waverly, NE, is acceptable.
The current estimated total project cost is $1,562,245 including $239,000 for engineering and the $1,323,245 as estimated construction cost. The approved FY 2026/27 Capital Improvements Plan includes $1,500,000 under the project titled “161 kV Line Relocation.” Because this project is 100% reimbursed by the IDOT, the CIP project will be amended in the FY 2026/27 adjusted budget to match the project cost.
- Approve a contract with Watts Electric Company Waverly, NE for $753,839.37.
- Approved a Contract with another bidder.
- Return to staff for additional review.
In order to facilitate these IDOT improvements, the City’s 161 kV transmission line must be relocated. The relocation costs will be reimbursed by IDOT after the City designs, bids, and constructes the work. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as stated above.