The Town of Aberdeen is working to address higher-than-expected construction costs for the pedestrian bridge at Aberdeen Lake Park. The discussion comes after the town received bids that greatly exceeded the project’s available funding.
During its Nov. 9 meeting, the Aberdeen Town Board heard an update on the bridge replacement project, which has a total budget of $410,000. The town received four bids, but one company was disqualified, leaving three qualified bids ranging from $645,000 to $885,000.
The bids cover construction costs only and do not include engineering or other project expenses.
The town has met with the lowest bidder and its engineers to explore potential cost reductions through value engineering. Now, board members are reviewing design changes that could lower the construction price while also considering whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) might provide additional funding.
A major factor driving the higher costs involves the bridge’s foundation. Geotechnical testing reportedly determined that crews must drive support pilings approximately 10 feet into the ground, rather than the shallower depth originally projected. Town officials believe the additional foundation work could qualify as a change in the project’s scope and provide grounds to request an adjustment to FEMA’s funding allocation.
The town also is considering alternative materials and designs. Engineers have suggested replacing the originally proposed 10-inch round pilings with smaller square pilings, which could reduce construction costs. However, the change could also affect the bridge’s expected lifespan, as the town originally hoped to build a bridge that would last approximately 50 years.
The town has already secured $410,000 for the work, avoiding the possibility of having to fund the entire replacement itself.
Mayor Farrell said residents have continued asking about the bridge’s return. The higher bids also mean the town will not meet its original construction timeline. Board members previously hoped to reopen the bridge by March or April, but now consider a July target more realistic.
The board also discussed plans to build a second helipad at Aberdeen Fire Station No. 2 through the town’s partnership with UNC Health.
The expansion was part of the original plan when the station underwent renovations. The facility currently has one 50-by-50-foot helipad and can accommodate two medical helicopters at times.
A second pad, however, would allow the town to better support the operation, while plans for a future hangar are in the design stage.
UNC Health has funded 100% of the improvements made through the partnership, with no construction costs falling on the town. The town oversees the projects and manages the work, while UNC Health reimburses the town for expenses. The completed facilities and improvements become town property, and the medical aviation operation leases the space.
The town hopes to see the second pad completed within 90 days.
The Aberdeen base initially anticipated handling 20 to 25 medical transport missions each month, but the operation now handles about 70 missions in a typical month, with its slowest month reaching around 50.
The base serves a broad region that includes Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Robeson, Hoke, and Lee counties. The location allows medical helicopters to reach UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill in roughly 17 to 25 minutes, depending on conditions.
The board approved a motion to accept the $62,000 from UNC Health and add the funds to the town budget for construction of the second helipad.
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Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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