CSAH 61 Railroad Crossing Improvements at CSAH 81

The contract solicitation 2201016 for CSAH 61 Railroad Crossing Improvements at CSAH 81 in Maple Grove, Minnesota, is a unit-price, low-bid public procurement initiated by Hennepin County for infrastructure upgrades at a railroad crossing. The work involves extending a center concrete median, realigning the west-side sidewalk along Hemlock Lane, and integrating BNSF Railway’s upgraded crossing gates and equipment, all within BNSF’s right-of-way. The scope encompasses extensive pavement and structural work, including asphalt milling and placement, concrete curb ramps meeting ADA standards, truncated domes, drainage improvements, stormwater management, vegetation establishment, traffic control systems, and pavement markings. All work must comply with detailed specifications in the plans, special provisions, and exhibits, with strict adherence to quality control and assurance protocols requiring certified testers and approved material certifications. Contractors must submit an initial bar chart schedule and narrative prior to the preconstruction meeting, followed by monthly updates, and complete all work within 90 calendar days after receiving the semi-final estimate, with project acceptance required no later than November 20, 2026, and penalties of $50 to $300 per calendar day for delays. Bidders must possess and certify as a responsible contractor under Minnesota Statutes §16C.285, submit an original bid bond equal to 5% of the bid total via electronic bonding systems or uploaded copies, and provide evidence of insurance including commercial general liability and commercial automobile liability meeting MnDOT 1714 standards, with Hennepin County, the City of Maple Grove, and MnDOT named as additional insureds. Performance and payment bonds equal to the full contract amount are required prior to commencement. The contract enforces Minnesota prevailing wage laws and mandates EEO compliance, including the submission of an affirmative action plan if the bid exceeds $100,000, the use of targeted media for employment recruitment, coordination of EEO training for managers and subcontractors, and monitoring of subcontractors for minority and women employment and EEO poster display. SBE utilization goals apply, with participation limited to firms certified through the Central Certification Program, and a utilization plan must be submitted by the apparent low bidder if the bid exceeds $100,000. All submissions must be made electronically via Hennepin County’s ProcureWare portal, with hard copies only accepted if requested after bid opening. Invoicing for the new crossing surface