Mono widening still too costly

The cost of the multi-million-dollar Mono Way widening project in Sonora remains higher than originally expected despite a second round of bids by the city.

Three contractors submitted proposals this month for the project, which calls for widening the stretch of Mono Way from Greenley Road to Fir Drive to ease traffic, as well as building a retaining wall, replacing a 36-inch culvert and earthwork.

The lowest bid came from Modesto-based George Reed Inc. at $3.9 million, with Sierra Mountain Construction of Sonora ($4.35 million) and McGuire and Hester of Oakland ($4.9 million) also submitting bids.

The last round of bids ranged from $3.4 million to $4.6 million, and were thrown out because they exceeded the initial $2.7 million project estimate. The Sonora City Council opted to re-advertise in December.

However, Sonora City Engineer Gerard Fuccillo said the latest round of bids also included alternative proposals lowering costs on a retaining wall and culvert replacement that are part of the widening. Under one, a retaining wall that will stretch from Roselyn Lane to Fir Drive would have a typical concrete face instead of a decorative rock facade.

For the full story see today's Union Democrat.

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Mono widening still too costly