VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The engineers estimate for the 5th Avenue Northwest improvement project was $3,366,041, but the low bidder, KPH, Inc., submitted a bid of $3,852,699.

In 2019, the city commission approved the bid but directed city staff to have lighting removed from the contract to reduce the cost of the project. The work will be completed by crews from Valley City Public Works Department. The revised estimated construction cost with city crews completing the lighting dropped to $3,557,699.

Residents who live along 5th Avenue Northwest asked the city what their special assessments would be with this project.

KLJ Engineer Chad Petersen said the estimated range for specials could be between $5,000 to $15,000 dollars per property with a typical lot width of 50 to 75 feet. The range given is based on a property only getting a paving special assessment of $5000. However, if a lot would include storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer, the cost could rise to $15,000. But he said for larger lots with all of the improvements mentioned their property could see special assessments greater than $15,000.

In 2019, the city commission approved widening the street from 30 feet to 34 feet to accommodate parking on one side of the street and to also meet current guidelines.

Crews have been doing some preliminary work on the project in Valley City.