( KMZA )-A bid has been accepted for the extension of Seneca’s Branch Street and accompanying U.S. 36 improvements.

On the recommendation of the engineering firm B-G Consultants of Lawrence, the Seneca City Council Wednesday evening accepted the low base bid from Hall Brothers of Marysville for just over two million dollars for an asphalt surface roadway.  The bid was accepted contingent on the approval of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The bid was nearly $27,000 under the engineer’s estimate.

Four bids were received March 29th.  Bids were taken for both an  asphalt and a concrete surface.

The project calls for the extension of Branch Street one-half mile from 11th Street to Community Drive.  Also included is a connecting street to U.S. 36 with a left-turn lane along with acceleration and deceleration lanes.  

Work on the project is scheduled to begin May 1st with completion by December 1st.

A grant from the KDOT  will cover nearly $1.8 million of the construction cost.  The city will be responsible for $255,000 in costs not covered by the grant.

The new street will provide access to 11 city-owned commercial lots that line the south side of U.S. 36 on the former golf course.

In a related matter, the council voted to set the price for the lots at a minimum of $2 per square foot.

In other business, the council voted to seek bids for a project to build a basketball/tennis court at Skoch Park located on Community Drive south of the Aquatic Center.  The estimated cost of the project is $100,000.  The STEP Foundation has awarded the city a $30,000 grant for the project.

Mayor Joe Mitchell introduced new City Administrator Matt Rehder who was present at the meeting.  He will officially begin work Monday.