Jefferson County initially advertised this project for bid in July 2023. The bid was canceled due to the complexity of the project and lack of contractor interest. Based on feedback from contractors and strong opposition to winter construction, staff repackaged the project. The scope of work was reduced by half and the construction schedule for the project was revised. The repackaged project was rebid at the beginning of 2024. The county only received one contract bid at the February 13 bid opening. The received bid was greater than $5.6 million over the engineer’s estimate. The Board of County Commissioners chose not to award the project to the received bid.

Several factors contributed to the lack of contractor interest and high project bid price. The project’s physical location and the high volume of traffic along Jefferson County Highway 73 limits the contractor’s ability to complete the project while minimizing impacts to local businesses, traveling public, and the Evergreen community. Additionally, there are too many uncertain variables, flooding of Cub Creek restricts construction, and traffic backups cause extreme delays to the community transportation network. These are the main factors that deterred many prospective contractors. Additionally, the small project footprint, preservation of the historic wall, utility impacts, extended work along Cub Creek, and federal funding requirements contributed to the high bid price. 

Although Jefferson County did not award the recent version of the project to a contractor, the county has identified the need to replace the structure at Little Bear Creek Road and provide safety measures along this section of the highway. The county has been developing a revised concept of safety measures to incorporate along Highway 73. These safety measurements include the installation of a rural walkway along Highway 73, and installation of an additional guardrail and pedestrian crossing. These safety measures will be included with the replacement of the structure at Little Cub Creek Road and creation of public parking lots (across from Evergreen fire station and south of the intersection of Highway 73 and Little Cub Creek Road). The county anticipates construction of these improvements will occur in 2025.

Utility Relocations and Site Preparation

Comcast and Lumen continue to intermittently work on relocating utilities near Highway 73 and Little Cub Creek Road. Anticipated completion is June 2024. No daytime lane closures are planned at this time

Previous Design Scope:

The county and engineering consultants designed the original scope of the project to run from the intersection of Jefferson County Highway 73 and State Highway 74 to south of Buffalo Park Road. Jefferson County is adjusting the scope of work and schedule for construction based on feedback received from contractors and the public. Below is additional information about the original design scope.

Watch a video about the original design.

View the presentation slides of the original design. (PDF) (11.9 MB)

For Questions

Your feedback is valuable in the decision-making process. For questions, please email Transportation and Engineering.

Thank you for your interest in this project!