OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – At their Tuesday, August 4, 2026, meeting, Marion County commissioners approved a $22.9 million contract with Art Walker Construction Inc. of Ocala for the next phase of roadway improvements along NW 80th/70th Avenue.
The project covers roughly 3.3 miles of the corridor from about 900 feet north of W. HWY 40 to 600 feet south of N. U.S. HWY 27. Work includes reconstructing and widening the roadway, improving several intersections, building seven drainage retention areas, and installing utility and shared-use path upgrades.
County Engineer Steven Cohoon recommended Art Walker after the company submitted the lowest of four bids at $22,914,383.42. The next-lowest bids ranged from about $26.5 million to $27.7 million.
Stacie Causey, Public Information Specialist for Marion County, said the segment is part of a larger effort to improve the NW/SW 80th Avenue corridor.
“This segment is part of the larger NW/SW 80th Avenue corridor project, which provides a critical north-south link for western Marion County. The corridor itself provides an alternative to travelling on State Road 200 or I-75,” she said.
“This segment will complete the improvements between West Highway 40 and North U.S. Highway 27 by providing additional capacity to relieve the increased traffic demands in the area. Safety will be enhanced by access management of entry and exit points between public roads and adjacent properties in addition to added pedestrian features,” she continued.
Other segments of the same corridor are already in design, under construction, or finished, she noted.
On the significant price gap between Art Walker and the other bidders, Causey said differences are typical on large projects.
“The bids differ for two reasons. Small price differences per item add up quickly on large orders. Also, the fixed-price parts of the project reflect different estimates for tasks that are still being finalized,” she said.
“The contractor provided required forms and information as part of the bidding and procurement process to satisfy capacity, bonding, and similar work experience requirements. The awarded contractor is also successfully completing a similar road construction project for Marion County,” Causey added.
The contract includes a standard 10 percent contingency for unforeseen conditions. Causey said the money is not expected to be needed and will not affect other county projects.
“The 10 percent contingency amount is a standard industry amount for construction contracts. The contingency fund is strictly reserved for unforeseen construction conditions and is not currently expected to be used. It is dedicated solely to this project, meaning its use will not impact other projects,” she said.
Funding comes from the Infrastructure Tax Transportation fund and Utilities Capital Construction accounts.
Construction is expected to begin about a month after the contract is fully executed. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for next week to set the official notice to proceed and preliminary schedule. Substantial completion is required within 489 calendar days, with final completion at 510 days. Liquidated damages of $2,667 per day apply for delays.
“The contractor will maintain business and residential access using FDOT traffic control standards,” Causey said.
The seven drainage retention areas have already been designed and permitted to protect nearby neighborhoods, including Sherman Oaks, Golden Hills and Ocala Ridge.
“The drainage retention areas have been designed in accordance with the area’s water management district’s (Southwest Florida Water Management District) requirements for off-site flooding and water quality. The plans have been approved and permitted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District,” Causey said.
The contract has been sent to Art Walker for signature before final execution by county officials.