NOVEMBER 26, 2024 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
Inflation has increased the cost of two Rawlins transportation projects.
During the November 19th Rawlins city council meeting, Councilman Darril Garner provided an update on the Urban Systems Committee. Garner explained that the committee is waiting for a new cost estimate for repairs to the 6th Street bridge. However, the location of the bridge, over the Union Pacific railroad tracks, means the price tag is likely to be over $2 million.
Councilman Garner said 90% of the cost of the 6th Street bridge replacement project will be funded through the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which set aside roughly $550 billion for transportation improvement projects across the country. The city will be responsible for paying the remaining 10%, or $200,000, of the project.
Next, Councilman Garner spoke about the proposed pedestrian underpass on North Higley Boulevard, at the intersection of Harshman Street and Aberdeen Boulevard. When completed, the tunnel will allow pedestrians to travel between the Highland Hills residential area, nearby school campuses, and the Carbon County Higher Education Center without having to cross the busy highway.
In July of 2022, the cost of the pedestrian tunnel was estimated at approximately $1.6 million. At that time, the Rawlins city council agreed to pay 9.51%, or $158,341, of the total project cost. WYDOT committed to covering the remaining $1.5 million, with the stipulation that if the project costs exceed the estimated price, the city is responsible for paying the difference.
In July of 2024, Councilman Garner said inflation had caused project costs to almost double, with the new price estimated at $2.5 million.
Back at the November 19th meeting, Councilman Garner said WYDOT District One Engineer Ralph Tarango has agreed to contribute an additional $400,000 toward the Higley Boulevard underpass, but the city is still responsible for finding the rest of the money.
Councilman Garner said that in the future, Public Works Director Cody Dill will request the additional funding from the council, once the exact amount the city is expected to pay is determined.
