Mountain View County (MVC) council has approved an additional $153,933 for the installation of a culvert bridge and related roadwork on the county's south side.
The new money is needed because the original cost estimate turned out to be about half of the actual projected cost, council heard.
The culvert bridge is located on Twp. Rd. 290 southeast of Water Valley and runs over the Little Dogpound Creek.
“During the regular inspection cycles it has been noted that this culvert has a sagged roof that is far beyond allowable limits and has reached the end of its structural life,” CAO Tony Martens said in a note to council.
“There is also an issue with the stream bed alignment which is eroding the surrounding area and is not passable for fish due to the perched inverts.”
Last year, $235,000 in funding was secured from Alberta Transportation in 2012 for the work – $189,000 for construction, $16,000 contingency, and $30,000 in engineering.
The original estimated cost of the project was $232,500. However, the lowest tendered bid, from Prentice Creek Contracting, came in at $444,560, with the county's share increasing from $82,500 to $236,433.
During last week's council meeting, councillors passed a motion approving an additional $153,933 to complete the project. The money will come from the county's tax stabilization fund.
Coun. Paddy Munro said he is not happy about the original cost estimate being so much lower than the real cost.
“It's something we should look at,” said Munro. “If we don't get accurate information how are we supposed to make a realistic decision? I'm not happy with the process.”
Councillors passed a second motion calling on administration to report back on the current process used for coming up with project cost estimates in the county.
“We are going to review the whole process,” said Reeve Bruce Beattie. “This has brought to clarity the need to review our whole process for our tendering. I think in talking to Michael (MacLean, director of operations) he's been looking for some impetus to review our process.
“This isn't the first time that we've had an estimate that's been a long way off, below what it turns out to be. Clearly we need to do some work on the tendering process. We are not pleased when this sort of thing happens.”
The Big Prairie Bridge replacement cost estimate also came in much lower than the real cost, he noted.
"It's something we should look at."Paddy Munro, MVC councillor.
