With the economy in a downturn, road contractors are ready to do whatever it takes to find work, even if it means reducing their profits. Throughout Santa Cruz County, the cost of large public projects have dropped far beyond anticipated costs, saving the county money and getting more essential work done.
With the economy in a downturn, road contractors are ready to do whatever it takes to find work, even if it means reducing their profits. Throughout Santa Cruz County, the cost of large public projects have dropped far beyond anticipated costs, saving the county money and getting more essential work done. One example is the Salinas Road interchange, which Caltrans estimated would cost $18 million to build. De Silva Gates Construction has agreed to do the work for just $11.9 million—almost 35 percent less than anticipated.
Competitive prices are a huge advantage for the county, which, until a few months ago, has a backlog of $100 million in necessary road repairs and enhancements. While the backlog is still substantial, Public Works Director John Presleigh says it has been slashed by 20 percent. The question is now whether the savings can be used to finance other necessary projects, and get the local transportation system caught up. Read More at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
