The town is once again inviting contractors to bid on a project to complete repairs and improvements to the Avenue of the Fountains median.

An engineer’s estimate for the project is just shy of $1.6 million.

However, in June 2013 the Town Council rejected a bid of $1.4 million as being too high.

The town had struggled with the process of designing and bidding the project for nearly two years, including a switch in the design consultant, before the bids arrived at the council for consideration last year.

It was decided in June to go back out for the bidding process early this year and provide more time for contractors to bid and improve the construction timeline.

If the project proceeds, it is anticipated that construction would be completed by early fall in time for the fall arts and crafts show and other activities.

Bid consideration by the Town Council in March or April would allow six months for construction.

The planned improvements include four new water features including two at the intersection of the Avenue and Verde River Drive. A third will replace water features on the east end between Verde River and Saguaro Boulevard. The fourth will be placed on the west side where there currently are no fountains.

The concept plan also calls for the art sculpture titled “Sip N’ Splash” in the fountain at Verde River Drive to be relocated further east in a new setting to allow the public to get closer to the sculpture and interact with it.

Also, the sculpture with the eagle’s nest entitled “Freedom” would be relocated to the west end of the median at La Montana Drive as part of a new entry.

The plan also includes a 10-foot meandering walkway from La Montana to Saguaro. Along the walkway there will be paved “nodes” for new public art displays and plaza areas around the water features with tables and benches.

Staff is anticipating that the entire project be paid with existing funds from the downtown fund, which has a current balance of approximately $2.1 million from sales tax proceeds.

The initial basis of the project is the need to replace much of the irrigation and electrical systems in the median, replace leaking water features and upgrade walkways and access.

The town began advertising for bids this week and a pre-bid conference is scheduled for Feb. 12. The bid closing and opening is set for March 5.