Bids for Sturgis road construction under projection

Sturgis City Manager Mike Hughes said the city’s ability to seek bids early for this summer’s major reconstruction of East West Street may be largely responsible for saving 23 percent on the project’s cost.
The street was initially constructed in 1922 and its current condition made it a priority for reconstructing 2,600 feet of street surface and replacing more than 3,100 feet of water main and 2,900 feet of storm sewer.
The cost was originally projected at about $1.35 million, but the recent winning bid came in $300,000 lower.
The city commission voted last week to approve a $375,000 Michigan Department of Transportation grant for the project, leaving the city’s share at under $1 million.
In related action, the city also accepted a $ 76,300 MDOT grant for resurfacing and widening shoulders on West Dresser Drive, west of Broadus Street. The city’s share is expected to be $88,600.