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Carrollton Double Crossover Widening-Contract Award (IFB2026-004)
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DESCRIPTION: : Requesting Board authorization to award a construction contract for the Carrollton Double Crossover Widening project to Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute a contract with Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation in an amount not to exceed $3,038,738 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Carrollton Double Crossover Widening project (IFB 2026-004).
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The Carrollton Double Crossover is a critical component of the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar that allows for operational flexibility and provides rider comfort at the terminus of the line. Improvements to this infrastructure are necessary to enhance accessibility in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The current geometry of the terminus is inadequate for wheelchair lifts to be deployed while two streetcars are at the Claiborne Avenue terminus of the line. Once the Double Crossover improvements are implemented, wheelchair lifts will be able to be deployed, and the stop will be considered an ADA accessible stop.
This project includes widening of the tracks and platform as well as associated track and OCS improvements to extend the useful life of the rail infrastructure at the Claiborne Avenue terminus of the line.
The project is aligned with the Agency’s Strategic Mobility Plan, Major Action Area 11-Complete ADA Accessibility upgrades throughout the system.
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DISCUSSION:
The project was publicly advertised through an Invitation for Bids (IFB 2026-004) in accordance with RTA procurement policies and federal requirements. The design process, led by Infinity Engineering Consultants, was completed in 2025. The bid documents were issued on January 22, 2026, and the bids were opened on March 10, 2026.
Two bids were received and evaluated for responsiveness and responsibility. Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation submitted the lowest bid at $3,038,738 and was determined to be both responsive and responsible by Procurement. This cost compares favorably with the Independent Cost Estimate prepared by RTA Capital Projects in December 2025, which was $3,300,000.
The IFB method was utilized as the appropriate procurement method, allowing for award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder without negotiations. The project is ready to proceed to contract award upon Board approval. The expected duration of construction is six months. RTA and the selected contractor will work with the City to minimize impacts to traffic, and RTA will mitigate impacts to streetcar service by terminating service at the closest stop, Sycamore Street.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total cost for the Carrollton Double Crossover project is $3,038,738. A portion of the project will be funded through grant LA2023-001 ($1,208,944 in grant funds and $302,236 in local match). The remainder of the project cost ($1,527,056) will be from local capital dollars. Insurance proceeds from the Hard Rock Hotel collapse will cover this local amount. These funds are in account 01-0000-00-1501-000-00-00-00000-00000.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon Board approval, staff will execute the contract with Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation for the Carrollton Double Crossover Widening Project, issue the Notice to Proceed (NTP), and commence construction activities.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Procurement Summary IFB 2026-004
3. Independent Cost Estimate
4. Administrative Review Form IFB 2026-004
5. Invitation to Bid (IFB) 2026-004
6. Bid Submission - Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation
Prepared By: Rafe Rabalais, rrabalais@rtaforwad.org
Title: Director of Capital projects
Reviewed By: Dwight Norton, dnorton@rtaforward.org
Title: Chief Planning and Capital Projects Officer
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
4/7/2026
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer