Title
An Ordinance awarding the bid for Project No. 599 for the Ward Road Improvements (Phase 1): NW Blue Parkway to NW O'Brien Road to VF Anderson Builders in the amount of $4,913,531.05, and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for the same.
Body
Issue/Request:
An Ordinance awarding the bid for Project No. 599 for the Ward Road Improvements (Phase 1): NW Blue Pkwy to NW O'Brien Rd to VF Anderson Builders in the amount of $4,913,531.05, and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for the same.
Key Issues:
• Public Works Engineering issued an advertisement for bids for the construction of Project No. 599 -- Ward Road Improvements (Phase 1): NW Blue Parkway to NW O'Brien Road ("Project") on October 2, 2025, in accordance with state and federal statutes and local policies.
• The project will improve safety and capacity, promote economic development in the area, and accommodate non-motorized transportation.
• The project will be funded from the voter-approved 2017 CIP Sales Tax Renewal, obligated Federal TAP Grant and Water and Sewer Funds.
• VF Anderson Builders was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder by City staff.
• The City and Contractor desire to enter into an agreement for the Project.
Proposed Committee Motion:
I move to recommend to City Council approval of an Ordinance awarding the bid for Project No. 599 for the Ward Road Improvements (Phase 1): NW Blue Pkwy to NW O'Brien Rd to VF Anderson Builders in the amount of $4,913,531.05, and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for the same.
Background:
This project will improve Ward Road from Blue Parkway to O'Brien Road, a corridor that provides access to Westview Elementary School. Ward Road will be reconstructed to a two-lane section with bicycle lanes and sidewalk along both sides. Other improvements include the addition of curb and enclosed storm drains and street lighting. The project also includes a portion of new water and sanitary sewer mains which will run along the new roadway. The intersection at Ward Road and Blue Parkway will be reconfigured to improve a safety concern caused by inadequate sight distance. The reconfiguration will result in a roundabout at the intersection. Sidewalk will also be installed from the roundabout at Ward Road and Blue Parkway along Blue Parkway to the east; closing critical gaps in the sidewalk network and extending pedestrian access. The project will also improve internal circulation at Westview Elementary, reducing congestion and improving safety.
The Ward Road improvements promote centers and corridors by improving multi-modal connectivity to several activity centers throughout the city. This project is the first of two phases of improvements to Ward Road, the second of which extends bike and pedestrian facilities north to Chipman Road. In addition to Westview Elementary, the extension of sidewalk and bicycle lanes will allow for vital connections from downtown Lee's Summit to O'Brien Road which provides access to the west side of US-50. The project will also provide increased access for non-motorized users to the activity center at John Knox Village and various employment, retail, restaurant, and commercial centers along Chipman Road with the completion of the second phase of the project.
The project was delivered using a traditional design-bid-build approach. Considering the extensive property acquisitions and utility relocations required for the project, and federal funds, a traditional design, bid, build approach was preferred as the most cost effective method to deliver the project and alternative methods that may offer a faster delivery at higher cost were not necessary and impractical given the time required for acquisitions and utility relocations. The project was designed by Wilson Co. under previous contract approved by the City Council. All right of way and easements necessary for the improvements (33 tracts of property) were acquired by the City without condemnation. Public Works Engineering advertised for bids for the construction of Project No. 599 on October 2, 2025. Potential bidders were notified through QuestCDN, on the City and MoDOT websites, newspaper, and an email solicitation was sent to contractors who have engaged with the City. Three (3) responsive bids were received by the October 23, 2025 bid opening date. The lowest bid received from VF Anderson Builders approximately 0.018% below the engineer's estimate. City staff is recommending to proceed with awarding this construction contract. Construction is anticipated to begin March of 2026 with 150 days to achieve substantial completion.
Timeline:
Construction start date Spring of 2026. Utility relocation is underway in preparation for construction.
Presenter
Scott Eason, Senior Staff Engineer
Recommendation
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.
Committee Recommendation
Committee Recommendation: [Enter Committee Recommendation text here]