5517.02 Estimates - force account projects.
5517.02 Estimates - force account projects.
(A) Before undertaking the construction, reconstruction by widening or resurfacing, or improvement of a state highway, or a bridge or culvert thereon, or the installation of a traffic control signal on a state highway, the director of transportation shall make an estimate of the cost of the work using the force account project assessment form developed by the auditor of state under section 117.16 of the Revised Code. In constructing, or reconstructing by widening or resurfacing, improving, maintaining, and repairing state highways, and the bridges and culverts thereon, and in installing, maintaining, and repairing traffic control signals on state highways, the director, except as provided in division (B) of this section, shall proceed by contract let to the lowest competent and responsible bidder, after advertisement as provided in section 5525.01 of the Revised Code.
(B)(1) Where the work contemplated is the construction of a bridge or culvert, or the installation of a traffic control signal, estimated to cost not more than fifty thousand dollars, the director may proceed by employing labor, purchasing materials, and furnishing equipment.
(2) The director may also proceed with maintenance or repair work by employing labor, purchasing materials, and furnishing equipment, provided the total estimated cost of the completed operation, or series of connected operations, does not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars per mile of highway, exclusive of structures and traffic control signals, or fifty thousand dollars for any single structure or traffic control signal.
(3) The director may proceed by furnishing equipment, purchasing materials, and employing labor in the erection of temporary bridges or the making of temporary repairs to a highway or bridge rendered necessary by flood, landslide, or other extraordinary emergency. If the director determines inability to complete such emergency work by force account, the director may contract for any part of the work, with or without advertising for bids, as the director considers for the best interest of the department of transportation.
Effective Date: 03-05-2004