City seeking bids to repair Dune Walkovers 35S and 40

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 15, 2019 12:34 p.m.

Many Dune Walkovers in the City of Fernandina Beach are in need of repair, but those at Beach Accesses 35S and 40 top the list.  The city previously advertised for bids to  reconstruct these two dune walkovers, but the bids received far exceeded funds allocated to pay for such a project.  The city has readvertised the work as Invitation to Bid (ITB) 19-03. http://www.fbfl.us/Bids.aspx?bidID=174 The City of Fernandina Beach will receive sealed competitive bids until no later than 2:00pm, April 25, 2019.

Engineering plans have been provided for potential bidders, and the city is asking for two bid alternates: 

  • A Bid Alternate for the removal of the existing structures, as outlined in the Engineering Plans is required.
  • A Bid Alternate for the substitution of pressure treated lumber in lieu of Azek composite for the deck and top rail is required.

The city has alerted potential bidders that scheduling the project may be impacted by Turtle Nesting Season, but that it expects the project to be completed within 120 days of the notice to proceed date.

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

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Betsie Huben
Betsie Huben(@betsie-huben)
5 years ago

Does it not make sense to consider hiring someone to do the work of repairing and then maintaining these walk overs along with all the other items at the access points (signs, landscape, trash bins, etc.)? Materials could be purchased in bulk as needed which would allow us to get back to the more durable Trex/Aztec type decking boards at more favorable prices and I have to wonder if staff could do the job cheaper as a city employee than out-sourcing all of this? The list of walk overs in disrepair is long. And this is really all the result of deferred maintenance.