NEWTOWN SQUARE–The last of the two properties that need construction easements during construction of the Gradyville Road bridge project has officially signed their agreement for execution, announced Newtown Township Engineer Eileen Nelson at a supervisors meeting on Sept. 10.

The one property had signed their agreement by last month's meeting. The easements will be for the duration of the project only. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the acceptance of the temporary construction easement at Monday night's supervisors meeting. 

Next Steps 

According to Nelson, she had reviewed and ranked the construction consultant inspection services submittals. Nelson stated the top three ranked firms have been confirmed: Traffic Planning & Design, Inc.; McCormick Taylor Engineers & Planners; and Navarro & Wright Consulting Engineers, Inc.

The top three firms will then be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for approval to submit technical proposals. PennDOT will then narrow the list down to one firm for price proposals, said Nelson. According to Nelson, it's a PennDOT policy that the process is based off of qualifications in which negotiations in prices are then handled. 

"They can't charge whatever they want," said Nelson addresssing a concern made by Newtown resident Mark Kay. "There are negotiations. The township has a say in what they charge as far as maxing out profit."

Estimated Completion Date Update

Springton Pointe resident Ray Lopez asked about if the completion date is still projected for February 2013.

Nelson stated the township is "hopefully having it all let and a notice to proceed in the beginning of the year and expecting it to take five months; we're still on track for May of the reopening of the road."

"We're close to the timetable and especially having these two temporary construction easements signed, I think we're in pretty good shape," added Nelson.

Previously, township officials had stated an anticipation date and a "best-case scenario" date of approximately one year from the announcement of when the bridge was deemed dangerous and closed to the public.

Inspection costs are expected to total $759,861. Of the $760,000, the township will be responsible to pay 20 percent of the total cost, or $159,972.