Solana Beach awards Highway 101 construction contract

By Claire Harlin

editor@delmartimes.net

After two and a half years of deliberation, and then a months-long bid process, the City of Solana Beach has awarded a $6 million contract to Dick Miller, Inc. for the Highway 101 West Side Improvement Project construction contract.

“This is a very exciting time,” said City Manager David Ott. “It’s something [the city] has worked very hard on and the community has waited a long time for, and it’s really going to change the face of the community.”

The city received nine bids for the project, which is estimated to last 15 months. Dick Miller, Inc. of San Marcos, the lowest bidder, has experience with public works projects in Coronado, Vista and Port of San Diego. City officials said they consulted with references from each of those areas.

A representative from Dick Miller said at the May 23 City Council meeting that the company takes advantage of minimal overhead and has 27 employees.

“I assure you I will give 100 percent attention to detail,” he said.

The company’s base bid was $5.9 million, but the city recommended a contingency of 11 percent, making the total estimated project cost to be $6.6 million. Bids ranged as high as $7.5 million.

Construction is expected to begin in early July.