San Ardo Sidewalk Connection Gets $1.85 Million Construction Contract After Rebid

SAN ARDO, Calif. — October 28, 2026. A pedestrian-safety project intended to connect areas of San Ardo has an awarded construction contract after Monterey County rejected an earlier round of bids. The Board of Supervisors approved an award of $1,849,730 to Zara Construction Inc. on July 7, 2026, according to county legislative file A 26-304.

The San Ardo Community Connection/Sidewalk Project, Project No. 1178, is designed to create safer routes along three community streets by adding sidewalks on one side, accessible curb ramps, curb and gutter, pavement markings, signs, solar lighting and four pedestrian beacons.

Why bids had to be repeated

County staff reported that six of eight initial bids failed to comply with a contract requirement for consistent unit prices in the base bid and alternate. Supervisors voted May 19 to reject those bids and approve revised documents for a new solicitation. The later July 7 award identifies Zara as the lowest responsible bidder under the renewed procurement.

Funding and status

The county’s July board report estimated $3,846,331 in total project costs including planning, right-of-way, environmental work and construction, supported largely by $3,448,000 in state Active Transportation Program funds and the remainder from Measure X funds. The approved contract allows a maximum 10% change-order contingency, subject to limitations.

Important: awarding a contract does not establish the date construction began or that sidewalks or beacons are already operational. Residents should verify current traffic restrictions with the county before travel.

Primary source: County of Monterey file A 26-304 (July 7, 2026). This article will be updated on the same URL if the county publishes construction milestones.

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