County contracts construction manager as Mullan project moves toward final design

As Missoula County awaits the outcome of a second federal grant application earmarked for infrastructure improvements off Mullan Road, the pieces of the first grant continue to fall into place as work gets closer to beginning.

The county this week approved a $275,000 contract with Kiewit Infrastructure Co. to provide preconstruction services as the first phase of the project moves toward final design.

“They'll help us out with the design and review plans and give us pricing information to make sure that as we develop the project from 30% to 100% design that we have good pricing information,” said Shane Stack, the county's director of Public Works. “It's the type of services Kiewit will provide.”

Last week, the county approved a $1.5 million contract with DJ&A to complete the design elements in the Mullan area funded by a $13 million federal BUILD grant received last year.

The first five elements of the project include the north and south connections for Mary Jane Boulevard, the southern leg of George Elmer Drive, England Boulevard and a portion of Flynn Trail.

While DJ&A prepares the final design, Stack said Kiewit will provide preconstruction services on the project as the construction manager.

“They're going to give us the rough order of magnitude estimate here in the next week or so,” said Stack. “I'm looking forward to seeing those numbers and we can compare them to DJ&A.”