Wadsworth downtown project moves toward construction

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth's long-planned Downtown Infrastructure Project is nearing construction, with the city preparing to release bid documents and accept contractor proposals. The city has not yet selected a contractor for the project, said Matt Hiscock, Wadsworth's director of public service. Hiscock said completed bid books seeking interested contractors were expected to be released Monday. Bids are due Nov. 17, and the city expects to select a contractor and construction manager later in November. The engineers' current estimate for construction costs and administration is $13.2 million. The Downtown Infrastructure Project is designed to address aging infrastructure in downtown Wadsworth while improving the area's streets and public spaces. The project includes improvements to underground infrastructure, including water, sanitary sewer and stormwater systems, as well as improvements to streets, sidewalks and pedestrian areas. The project also includes streetscape improvements. The work is intended to update infrastructure while improving the downtown environment for residents, pedestrians, businesses and visitors. The project has been in development for several years as the city has worked through its design, funding and construction plans. The city previously held a bidding process for the work, but a significant gap emerged between the available budget and the cost of construction bids. The city subsequently moved forward with another round of bidding. The new bidding process will provide the city with updated contractor proposals based on the current project plans and $13.2 million budget. Contractor selection will be an important milestone for the project, giving the city a clearer sense of how the work will proceed and when construction can begin. Construction is anticipated in 2027. The project is expected to bring periods of construction activity to downtown as infrastructure and streetscape improvements are completed. The city will provide more details about the construction schedule and phasing after it selects the contractor and construction manager. Hiscock said the city expects to select the contractor and construction manager in November. Contact Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.