Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 22, 2021
At its December 21, 2021 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) unanimously approved Resolution 2021-205, awarding a bid to CGC, Inc. for roadwork and safety measures on existing railroad crossings at Ash and Centre streets and a new railroad crossing at Alachua Street.
The City of Fernandina Beach’s Engineering Consultant, Passero Associates, developed the design and engineering plans and specifications for the Roadway Improvements for the Railroad Crossings at Ash, Centre, and Alachua Streets along Front Street for solicitation of construction bids. The City advertised and solicited construction bids for the project (Invitation to Bid 21-13) with a bid opening date of September 30, 2021.
One bid was submitted for the project by CGC, Inc., of Jacksonville, Florida with a base bid amount of $276,416.00 for the roadwork crossings for Ash and Centre Street along Front Street and $117,450.00 for the roadwork at Alachua Street. City staff reviewed the bid submitted and recommended funding in an amount not to exceed $400,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund, Street Paving/Resurfacing account. Subsequent funding for the installation of railroad safety devices at Alachua Street is proposed to be drawn from a proposed Capital Improvement Revenue Note (debt service costs through Community Redevelopment Agency revenues).
Work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022 with the first crossing improvement at Ash Street. Centre Street will follow. The Alachua crossing, a topic of debate for at least 40 years, will involve new construction and will follow stormwater improvements and completion of the crossings at Ash and Centre.
City Manager Dale Martin expects all crossing improvements to be completed in calendar year 2022.
Much greater safety for pedestrians and vehicles at the Centre and Ash Street crossings and the new Alachua crossing will provide improved traffic flow downtown despite Ron Sapp’s protestations of the increased traffic watching him work in his garden. Good work to keep these projects alive.
Awesome job by all those involved in finally making this happen! Great for the City!