Fifteenth Street Improvement Project

The City of Allentown, Pennsylvania issued Bid No. 2026-48 for the Fifteenth Street Improvement Project, expanding its traffic signal system at four intersections, with questions due June 24, 2026 and sealed bids opening July 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through PennBid. The City set MBE participation at 5% and WBE participation at 3% as thresholds for bidder responsiveness rather than absolute award requirements, and MBE/WBE prime contractors are not required to meet these minimums. Bidders must solicit certified MBE and WBE participation at least 10 days before bid opening, and bids over $40,000 without the completed MBE/WBE form are rejected as non-responsive. Home Rule Charter resident and IBE preferences apply, including a 5% resident bidding preference not to exceed $2,500, though failure to respond affirmatively has no negative impact on evaluation.

Scope covers one new traffic signal, two modified signals, and a pedestrian-actuated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, priced separately by location. Base Bid locations are 15th Street and Highland Street (new signal) and 15th Street and Roth Avenue (modified signal). Alternate Bid locations are 15th Street and Sumner Avenue (fully modernized signal) and 15th Street and Greenleaf Street (beacon). Work includes curb ramps, sidewalks, signal supports, signal heads, signage, and pavement markings, performed to PennDOT specifications and subject to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. Bidders submit a qualification statement, work experience documentation, and an equipment list. Lane closures are barred on legal holidays and weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; weekend and holiday work requires 48 hours' notice.

Bid security is 10% of the bid total. The awardee must furnish performance and labor and material bonds at 100% of contract price and a maintenance bond at 10% for 12 months after final acceptance. The City retains 10% until 30-day signal tests and punch-list items are complete. The guarantee period runs 24 months from final acceptance. Required insurance includes general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, auto liability of $1 million combined single limit, and umbrella or excess liability of $2 million per occurrence and aggregate, naming the City as additional insured. Unit prices prevail over extended totals. The contractor must notify the City at least four working days before construction and provide 48 hours' notice before any work, and must notify the City and PennDOT upon completion to schedule final inspection.