Hillsborough Awards Bid for Construction of Downtown Sidewalk

The Town of Hillsborough has accepted a bid of $144,269.50 from White Oak Construction of New Hill for construction of a sidewalk and other improvements on Margaret Lane.

White Oak was the lowest responsible bidder of eight proposals received on April 1. Two bids were not accepted due to a lack of appropriate licenses for road work.

Construction — which would take about 120 days to complete — could start as early as the week of May 10 and be complete by the first week of September. The project design is expected to be presented to the Historic District Commission on May 5 for approval.

The project will provide a brick sidewalk, curb and storm drain improvements to the north and south sides of Margaret Lane from Churton Street to the Orange County Public Library. It will require removal of several parking spaces on the library side that already have been marked as “no parking.” The spaces were removed to facilitate safe traffic flow on Margaret Lane after neighbors expressed concern about increased vehicular trips to the new county facilities and parking in the roadway. When complete, the sidewalk will provide safe pedestrian access to the library, courts and county government facilities.

The total project estimate is $173,196.50. This includes the construction contract of $144,269.50 for the brick sidewalk and other improvements; contingency; and construction inspection and engineering services from Summit Consulting of Hillsborough.

The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners had budgeted $47,000 for the project. An additional $40,000 has been committed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners but has not been received yet. During its regular meeting April 12, the Town Board approved a budget adjustment for the additional funds needed.