Forest Road Deal Soars to $16.9 Million

The Sedona City Council has approved an 11th change order for the Forest Road extension project during its September 10 meeting. This decision will increase Fann Contracting’s contract by an additional $1,474,527. Adding this to a previous change order from July 9, the total project cost has now escalated significantly.

Recent figures from the city reveal that the contract cost with Fann has surged from $10,683,253 to $16,945,572. Initially estimated at $1.3 million in April 2017, project costs have ballooned over the years, reaching $21,002,901 in the May 2024 FY25 budget.

Bob Welch, an associate engineer, outlined the reasons for the latest change order. It will fund soil nailing, utility relocation trenching, and stabilization efforts. The costs associated with these tasks include $738,151 for soil nailing, $395,000 for mobilization, and additional smaller components.

Welch explained that, due to unforeseen geotechnical conditions near the State Route 89A entrance, the original plan for rock bolting was deemed inappropriate. They opted for soil nailing instead, which is more costly. This approach requires the installation of additional soil nails, resulting in a higher expenditure.

During the meeting, Councilman Brian Fultz raised concerns about potential erosion if the change order was ignored. Welch confirmed that neglecting the soil nailing could lead to ongoing erosion problems and the need for maintenance in the nearby debris collection area.

Vice Mayor Holli Ploog sought to understand the lessons learned from the project’s challenges, particularly regarding the unexpected utility relocations. Deputy City Manager Andy Dickey noted that city staff were communicating with utilities to enhance cooperation for future projects.

Director of Public Works Kurt Harris indicated that they aim to map city utilities using GIS technology, emphasizing the importance of keeping this information discreet. He also mentioned similar issues encountered during the design phase of Ranger Station Park.

Amid concerns of further cost increases, Welch reassured the council that efforts are being made to contain expenses. Fultz inquired about the possibility of additional change orders, to which Welch expressed hope that the current one would be the last. Ploog emphasized the council’s desire to avoid any more expenditures on the project.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Mayor Scott Jablow criticized the substantial cost overruns, labeling them as an “ungodly amount” beyond the initial budget. Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to approve the additional funding.

The projected completion date for the extension remains set for March 28, although Welch noted that negotiations are still taking place.