Seven change orders to the contract for the second phase of the Loop bicycle and pedestrian path project increased the cost more than $150,000.
Richmond’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved the change orders during its July 3 meeting.
More than half of the increased cost came from addressing drainage issues by increasing pipe size to 24 inches, with an $88,524.21 price tag. Another $33,218.79 cost came from work on storm pipe and inlets caused by buried manholes. Additional expenses included $15,956.61 for temporary lighting while Richmond Power & Light replaced existing street lighting and $14,638.96 for handling two underground storage tanks uncovered during excavation work.
One change order saved $15,608, after four benches, 10 bike racks and three trash cans were ordered for the project but not installed.
The original contract with Milestone Contractors to complete the Loop with work from Seventh to 10th streets on East Main Street and on Fort Wayne Avenue and North E Street was for $4,748,000. The contract’s total now, after 16 change orders, is $4,987,192.02.
The Loop was conceived as part of a 2011 transportation plan approved by Richmond Common Council, and eventually became part of the Stellar Communities program in June 2013 when Richmond received that designation. City officials have said the path is an essential part of downtown business and housing development.
Fire department
The board approved four contracts and a change order for Richmond Fire Department.
All About Asphalt is contracted to mill and repave the existing 9,863-square-foot parking lot and create a new 4,855-square-foot parking area in a grassy area at Station 1 at 101 S. Fifth St. Cost is not to exceed $51,000.
M.C. Door Services is contracted to provide and install six garage door and opener systems at Station 1 for $32,604.
The city also is contracting with Rescue One Corporation doing business as One Boat for a 14-foot inflatable boat with a Mercury 30 start motor and other accessories for $16,168.75. It replaces a larger boat and would be available for swift water and water rescues.
Wallace Heating & Air will maintain and inspect four standby generator systems for Stations 2, 3, 4 and 5 at a cost of $1,088.
The change order of $500 is for stump removal required at Station 2 for repairs of the parking lot.
Other approvals
- A $21,300 contract with The Institute for Public Safety Personnel for consulting services and testing required by Richmond Police Department’s promotion process that develops promotion lists for investigator, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
- A $12,350 contract with Mikesell Excavating for emergency demolition of the fire-damaged structure at 126 Randolph St.
A version of this article appeared in the July 9 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.