September 12th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

There is now less than two weeks before bids are opened for the Baltimore Street Access Project.  The project, which will include replacing underground utilities and re-opening the street to vehicular traffic and limited parking, has been years in making, originally discussed in 2014. The hope is that it will help drive economic development opportunities in Cumberland’s historic downtown city center and beyond. Price estimates have jumped from $8 to $12 millon in the past few years- and Mayor Ray Morriss said it is difficult to project at this point given rising inflation and supply chain complications…

For comparison purposes, bids for the Baltimore Street bridge replacement project came in $700,000 higher than estimates. City Council member Laurie Marchini said once the bids are known- the plan is to schedule a public meeting to brief business owners on the potential schedule and impact of construction…