JONESBORO, Ark. — The lowest bid to build a protected walking and biking path over the Marion Berry Parkway overpass came in at $2.38 million, about $884,000 above the city’s initial estimate. Even if Jonesboro takes both cuts offered in the bid, the construction price would still be nearly $1.96 million.
White River Material bid $2,383,947.24, the lowest of four offers opened Oct. 21. The other bids ranged from $2.81 million to $3.36 million, according to the city’s bid tabulation. The Jonesboro Ledger first reported the bid results.
The project would add a shared-use path and improve the sidewalk along Marion Berry Parkway from Washington Avenue to Aggie Road, giving people walking and biking a protected route over the bridges between downtown and Arkansas State University. The bid also covers lane changes, drainage, bridge work and lighting.
What Jonesboro Could Cut
White River offered to deduct $338,354.56 if the city removes the color-changing linear fixtures and some of their wiring and conduit. The bid addendum says fixtures over Arkansas State logo plaques and the control cabinet remain part of the base work under that option. A separate paving option would save $87,220.21. Together, the two deductions would bring White River’s bid to $1,958,372.47…