Saline County Commission Awards $201,120 Road Shoulder Bid to APAC-Kansas

The Saline County Commission approved a bid award for the 2026 aggregate shouldering project during its November 10, 2026 meeting, accepting a low bid of $201,120 from APAC-Kansas.

Assistant County Engineer Kevin Arnold told commissioners that the county's Road and Bridge Department opened sealed bids on October 29 and received two, from APAC-Kansas and So Kan Excavating. The So Kan Excavating bid came in at $298,500. Staff recommended the commission accept the APAC-Kansas unit-price bid.

All shouldering work must be completed by January 21, 2027. County engineering staff explained that the project is bid on a unit-price basis using an estimated quantity, meaning the county pays by the ton of material actually placed, and that crews can skip stretches that do not need material. "If they don't place it, then they don't get paid for it," staff told commissioners, adding that the county typically estimates conservatively and has not used the full estimated quantities in past projects. The county last bid a shoulder project in 2023.

Staff said contractors are generally allowed to use millings for shoulder projects to keep costs economical, though crushed limestone is required in some cases to create a visible color contrast between the road and the shoulder. Staff also noted that the black color of millings helps absorb heat and reduces problems with frozen material during winter work.

The commission approved the award, identified as RFA 2026-123, following discussion.