County OKs contract for Lovers Lane flood repairs

San Benito County supervisors on Tuesday gave approval to about $358,000 in repairs to the Lovers Lane area hit by flooding in early 2017

Supervisors unanimously approved a contract with Granite Rock Co., the lowest responsive responsible bidder, and awarded a contract in the amount of $358,231.

Resource Management Agency Director John Guertin told supervisors he expected the project to be completed by mid-November at the latest.

According to the detailed summary on the agenda: During the period from February 1, 2017 through February 23, 2017, severe winter storms, flooding and mudslides caused wide spread damage throughout the State of California.  These severe winter storms brought heavy rains and wind gusts up to 83 miles per hour and mudslides to San Benito causing damage to many roads throughout the County.

Lovers Lane is operated and maintained by San Benito County. Lovers Lane is approximately 17 feet wide and falls in a low area surrounded by farm land and residential properties.  During this period, flood and mudslide damage was caused due to a levee breach along Pacheco Creek with standing water for several days in the Lovers Lane Road area.

The plans and specifications for this project were adopted by the board and advertised for bids on June 12. Bids were due on July 12, and three bids were received. Staff has identified Granite Rock Company as the lowest responsive responsible bidder. The other bids received were from Monterey Peninsula Engineering in the amount of $380,934 and from The Don Chapin Company, Inc. in the amount of $544,000. The Engineer’s Estimate was $398,960.

San Benito Live video from the Lovers Lane flooding below: