The cost of Phase 2 of the Gateway Enhancement Project at the Interstate 75/Ohio 122 interchange just got more expensive.

Construction was originally estimated to cost $941,000 and Middletown’s share was about $335,100, said Scott Tadych, public works and utilities director. But when bids for the project came in higher than expected, the city was responsible for providing the additional funding of $143,212.

OKI agreed to pay an additional 10 percent over the original $700,000 in Federal Transportation Enhancement Funds, which lowers the city’s responsibility to $73,212, Tadych told City Council on Tuesday night.

He said the amount will be funded through the Auto and Gas Tax Fund and will be reimbursed by the Warren County Vehicle Tax Fund.

The project includes roadway lighting, landscaping, trees and decorative pylons consistent with the recommendations of the Gateway Enhancement Plan from nearly four years ago, he said.

The project was bid by the Ohio Department of Transportation with the lowest of three bids being 16 percent higher than the state’s estimate. The following bids were received:

• Evans Landscaping Inc., $1,097,629.45
• Olco Inc., $1,451,758.52
• Complete General Construction, $1,655,975

Council adopted the resolution last month and appropriated $335,100 for the project. Council unanimously approved the emergency legislation Tuesday night to pay the additional $73,000. If council decided against awarding the contract, the city would have lost the federal transportation funds since they must be appropriated in the current fiscal year, Tadych said.

He said work on the project is expected to begin in early July.