HELEN — The Helen City Commission has awarded the bid for construction of a new pedestrian bridge along the northbound lane of Ga. 75 (Main Street) over the Chattahoochee River.
During its meeting Tuesday, the city commission adopted a resolution awarding the contract to Square Deal Enterprises Inc. of Sautee for $586,022.
The bridge connects the sidewalks in front of The Castle Inn with the sidewalk in front of Café International, and will mirror the existing bridge in front of Paul’s Steakhouse on the other side of the highway.
The bid includes:
♦ Demolition of the existing concrete bridge;
♦ Construction of an approximately 157-foot pedestrian bridge, pilings, truss and associated appurtenances;
♦ Installation of four pedestrian lights, including associated electrical;
♦ Construction of about 200 square feet of brick pavers sidewalk;
♦ Construction of about 20 square yards of concrete sidewalk; and
♦ Replacement, relocation, and addition of existing storm water structures and piping.
Other bids received at bid opening on May 16 included the following:
♦ The L.C. Whitford Co. Inc. of Alpharetta for $778,887, ($192,865 above low bid);
♦ JHC Corp. of Peachtree City for $856,443.02 ($270,421.02 above low bid); and
♦ Georgia Bridge & Concrete of Tucker for $1,156,121.38 ($570,099.38 above low bid).
The city will fund part of the project with Georgia Department of Transportation Federal Transportation Enhancement Funding.
“We are so excited to be moving forward with the pedestrian bridge,” Mayor Helen Wilkins said. “We’re not exactly sure, depending on Square Deal who are the ones who got the bid, when they can start – hopefully as soon as possible. I know they’re busy with other jobs.”
The 180-day contract begins once the company is given notice to proceed from the city, and a start date can be worked out.
“It was my hope to have it ready by Christmas,” Wilkins said. “That might be optimistic, but we’re very, very excited about it, and these are the same guys that did the other side of the bridge and they do a great job. They’re local guys from out in Sautee, and we trust them and they do quality work.”
