New Kensington awards contracts for road, sidewalk fixes, will seek bids for street paving

New Kensington Council has awarded two contracts for improvements to roads and sidewalks in the city’s downtown area and is seeking bids for other roadwork in the city.

Work is expected to start in May on roads and sidewalks in the area between Barnes Street and Third Avenue, and from 11th to Seventh streets, city engineer Tony Males said.

Council accepted bids totaling a little more than $360,000 for the work, which is being paid for with a $375,000 state grant.

At just under $150,000, Tresco Paving was the lowest of nine bidders for repaving of 10th Street, from Industrial Boulevard to Barnes Street, and 11th Street, from Third Avenue to the viaduct.

With a bid of just over $212,000, Dun Rite Construction was the lowest of six bidders for sidewalk work in the downtown area. Males said it excludes Fifth Avenue, as such work already has been done there.

That work will include installing about 35 ramps at various intersections to make them compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Sidewalk sections that are damaged, heaved or sunken will be replaced.

Streets to be paved

Separately, the city will seek bids for its annual street paving program.

The city plans to resurface Riverview Drive, from Seventh Street to Pleasant Avenue; and Center Avenue, from the bridge over Little Pucketa Creek to Rainbow Drive.

The city will advertise for bids in May, and council could award a contract in June, Males said. Work would start in July or August.