Poor Soil Conditions Add Work and Cost to Glasgow Farmers Market

Project costs increased by $103,424 so far; still under next lowest bid by $391,576

By Jeff Jobe, Community Publisher/JPI

GLASGOW — Construction on the new Glasgow Farmers Market continues to advance, though crews recently encountered unexpected soil conditions that required additional excavation and prompted cost adjustments.

During initial site work, contractors discovered unsuitable soil containing debris believed to be left from a structure demolished decades ago. Brick, glass, plastic, and wood fragments were found throughout portions of the site, requiring excavation beyond what was originally planned. The area was then backfilled to properly stabilize the foundation.

According to STV, Inc. (formerly known as American Engineers Inc.), crews also installed a 6-inch perforated drainage pipe along the building line and placed geotextile membrane beneath the rock infill as part of the engineering guidelines. The Engineer of Record issued updated foundation plans, which have since been incorporated into the project. In addition, the City approved a request to upgrade to Crinkle Wall and Roof Panels, improving the building’s overall appearance and durability.

Original Bids

The City of Glasgow opened bids for the Farmers Market project on November 27, 2024. As mandated, bid notices were published in the newspaper with the highest paid circulation, The Barren County Progress. Six bids were submitted:

• Steel Structure Erectors of America – $779,000 (selected contractor)
• Sunbelt Construction – $1,294,000
• Woodbine Construction – $1,321,408
• Stephens Construction, Inc. – $1,384,511
• Contractor Joe Mener – $1,425,045
• Pro Crete – $1,596,120

 

Updated Project Cost

With the added excavation, drainage installation, updated foundation requirements, and upgraded Crinkle Wall and Roof Panels, the revised project total is $902,424, up from the original $779,000 contract.

Contractor representative David Aldana submitted the change-order requests, and both the Glasgow Mayor and City Council have approved the additional expenditures.

Despite the unforeseen soil conditions, project officials report construction remains on schedule. They note that the improvements will ultimately result in a safer, stronger facility for local farmers, vendors, and the general community.