On Tuesday night, the Folsom City Council approved a $136,000 contract with Ghirardelli Associates, Inc. to provide construction inspection and materials testing services for the city’s 2024–25 pavement program, ensuring the work is built to last.
The agreement brings an experienced inspection firm on board to support a $1.4 million construction effort that will span neighborhoods citywide this summer. From new asphalt and curb repairs to ADA-compliant ramps and refreshed pavement markings, the annual program is a key part of Folsom’s long-term strategy to preserve and maintain its roadway infrastructure using state gas tax and RMRA (Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account) funding.
The latest phase includes asphalt milling and overlay, crack filling, slurry sealing, concrete work on sidewalks and curbs, the replacement of aging manhole covers, and installation of thermoplastic striping and updated curb paint. Work is scheduled to begin in early July and continue through the fall.
The construction contract was awarded in April to Consolidated Engineering, which submitted the lowest bid—$1.4 million—out of nine proposals, beating the city’s engineer’s estimate of $1.9 million. With the contractor in place, the city now turns to Ghirardelli Associates to provide full-time inspection and materials testing to ensure the work meets engineering standards and funding compliance.
“The Public Works Department currently lacks adequate in-house staffing with the specialized training and availability required to perform daily inspection and materials testing for a project of this scale,” reads the staff report. “To ensure that the project is executed with engineering standards, budget constraints and schedule requirements, it is necessary to retain a qualified consultant.”
Ghirardelli Associates was selected through a competitive review process from among three pre-approved firms on the city’s consultant roster. Their scope of work includes daily inspections, testing of asphalt and concrete materials, documentation of contractor performance, coordination with city staff, and maintenance of audit-ready records to ensure eligibility for reimbursement under state and federal programs.
According to the staff report, the inspection firm will track construction progress, verify quality control procedures, and help ensure that all elements of the project—from ADA ramp construction to final striping—meet current regulatory standards. These efforts are designed to protect the city’s investment and help avoid costly future repairs.
Folsom’s road maintenance strategy is guided by a pavement management system updated every five years, which uses condition ratings and data analysis to prioritize repairs and preserve the city’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI). The goal is to keep Folsom’s PCI at 70 or higher—considered “good” by state standards—while extending the lifespan of existing roads and preventing full reconstruction whenever possible.
With the program set to begin next month, city officials are encouraging residents to stay informed about upcoming construction zones and traffic impacts. The improvements, they say, are part of an ongoing investment in Folsom’s infrastructure—and a smoother ride for all who travel its streets.
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