Rich Metcalfe, Project Manager
Approve a Change Order to the Construction Contract with Argonaut Constructors Inc. for the Old Redwood Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Approve a change order to the construction contract with Argonaut Constructors Inc., for the Old Redwood Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $169,148.94 to replace the culvert at Conde Lane and Mitchell Lane and authorize the Town Manager to execute said change order on behalf of the Town.
The recommended action supports the goal of Infrastructure. Goal Statement: Through a lens of sustainability and innovation, invest in the Town's infrastructure and public facilities to meet the needs of future generations.
The corrugated metal pipe portion of the culvert under Conde Lane where a tributary to Pool Creek flows under the road just north of Mitchell Lane is severely corroded. The natural upstream headwall is severely eroded to the point that it undercuts the pavement of Conde Lane. Traffic on northbound Conde Lane over the culvert is currently being supported by steel plates which were placed temporarily by Town Staff to allow a permanent remedy to be developed.
Conde Lane Culvert Replacement at Mitchell Lane is in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Plans and Specifications have been developed for the project which included replacement of the corrugated metal pipe with 40 feet of 38-inch x 60-inch elliptical reinforced concrete pipe and a new headwall. The engineering cost estimate for construction is $142,000.00.
There is a natural gas line under the culvert with minimal separation. PG&E must lower the natural gas line prior to the culvert repair. Coordination with PG&E has been ongoing since June 2026. PG&E’s work is planned for the week of November 2, 2026, through November 6, 2026.
On May 6, 2026, Town Council awarded construction of the Old Redwood Highway Complete Streets and Pavement Rehabilitation Project to Argonaut constructors for a construction price of $1,860,570.10. This project includes installation of 450 feet of storm drain culvert. The scope of work for the Conde Lane Culvert repair is in alignment with the scope of work for the Old Redwood Highway Complete Streets and Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
NOAA and NWS current weather projections foresee a severely wet winter. Should a major storm occur, Staff has serious concerns about Conde Lane washing out due to the already severe erosion beneath the pavement at the headwall.
During preparation of the plans for bidding, it was determined that, under the current bidding procedures and considering the lead time required for delivery of the specified elliptical reinforced concrete pipe, the earliest anticipated construction start would be in late December or early January. This schedule would place construction within the rainy season, when the project may be subject to significant rainfall and associated construction risks.
Given the anticipated high level of rainfall during this period, staff is seeking to expedite the work to the extent practicable. However, even with an expedited schedule, it cannot be assured that the project will be completed prior to the occurrence of a severe storm event.
If the existing pipe were to completely fail, it could result in closure of Conde Lane, disruption to traffic flow, and increased project costs. Depending on the timing and manner of the failure, it could also create additional risks to motorists and other travelers using the roadway. A failure during a significant storm event could further complicate emergency response and repair efforts, resulting in prolonged impacts to the traveling public.
To expedite the work and shorten the timeframe of the project, Staff have ordered the elliptical reinforced concrete pipe directly from the manufacturer to procure it as early as possible. The cost of the elliptical reinforced concrete pipe is $10,515.15. If the change order is issued for this work, Staff believes it can be done immediately following the completion of PG&E’s work and before heavy rain fall.
Argonaut Constructors, Inc. submitted a change order cost of $169,148.94. When combined with the direct cost of the pipe, the projected cost is 26.5% higher than the Engineer’s Estimate of $142,000.
The total fiscal impact of the proposed change order will allocate up to $206,614, which includes a 15% construction and construction management contingency from the Drainage Mitigation Fund in the Council-approved budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. There is adequate remaining budget available for this project in the Drainage mitigation Fund. Funding will come from the following G/L Code previously approved in the 2025-2027 biennium budget.
2025-2026 Old G/L Code 230-63-25-2608-4510-000
2026-2027 New G/L Code 47-80-80-0000-6200
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with section 15301 for repair and maintenance of existing facilities. Therefore, no environmental review is required. A Notice of Exemption was filed on January 16, 2025.