A project to replace the deficient F Street Bridge over the Mill Canal is moving toward construction after coming in substantially below the city’s engineering estimate.
The Arkansas City Commission approved a $388,803.80 bid from Kansas Concrete LLC of Nickerson during its Aug. 4 meeting.
The project will replace the bridge on F Street just north of Tyler Avenue. City officials said the existing bridge is considered deficient and needs to be replaced to improve public safety and maintain reliable access along F Street.
Kansas Concrete’s winning bid came in approximately $250,514 below the engineer’s construction estimate of $639,318.
Three contractors submitted bids for the project July 28. Reece Construction submitted a bid of $420,011.71, while Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. bid $436,049.35. Kansas Concrete submitted the lowest bid meeting the project’s requirements.
The city will be responsible for only a portion of the project’s eligible construction costs. Continue below ad.
In May 2025, commissioners approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to fund the project through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program. Under the agreement, KDOT will reimburse the city for up to 85 percent of eligible construction and construction-engineering costs, with the state’s contribution capped at $700,000.
Based on the approved contract, KDOT is expected to contribute $330,483.23 toward eligible construction costs, leaving the city’s estimated share at $58,320.57. The city will also be responsible for expenses that are not eligible for KDOT reimbursement.
Commissioners’ approval allows city staff to issue an official Notice of Award to Kansas Concrete. Once the notice is received, the company will have 15 days to submit the signed contract, performance and payment bonds, proof of insurance and other required documents.
The project must be under contract for construction by Aug. 19 to remain eligible for KDOT funding.
