HAYDEN, Idaho — As construction on the Honeysuckle Avenue and Ramsey Road roundabout enters its fifth week, the Hayden City Council has approved two changes intended to keep the project moving forward while addressing conditions identified after work began.
Together, the approvals authorize approximately $15,360 in additional work and professional services. According to City documents, the contractor received a one-day extension, moving substantial completion from August 28 to August 29, while the overall project remains on track for completion near the end of August.
The two approvals serve different purposes.
One amends the construction contract with LaRiviere, Inc., the contractor building the roundabout. The other increases the engineering contract with Welch Comer & Associates to address additional design and utility coordination work.
Additional traffic control responds to real-world conditions
Much of the contractor’s change order relates to traffic control.
According to project documents, additional signs and lane closure measures were added after construction began to better direct motorists through the detour and discourage non-local traffic from using neighborhood streets as shortcuts. City staff noted that the expanded traffic control is intended to reduce confusion and limit the impact on nearby residential areas.
The change order also includes adjustments to the Hayden Lake Irrigation District’s water system. Existing field conditions required a fire hydrant and water meter to be relocated farther east than originally planned, resulting in additional pipe, fittings and paving work. Those utility costs will be reimbursed to the City by the Hayden Lake Irrigation District under existing agreements.
Engineering work expanded to address grading and utility coordination
Council also approved an $8,000 amendment to the City’s engineering contract with Welch Comer & Associates.
The City explained that roadway grading revisions became necessary because portions of the original design were based on topographic survey work completed several years ago. Updating those plans before construction advances further is expected to be less costly than making corrections after additional roadway work is completed.
The amendment also provides additional engineering time to coordinate the relocation of several private utilities, including communication providers, KEC and Avista Gas. According to the City’s memo, the added coordination is intended to reduce the likelihood of construction delays and additional costs during the remainder of the project.
Schedule remains largely unchanged
Although the contractor received a one-day extension, City documents continue to indicate the project is expected to be completed by the end of August.
The construction contract now lists August 29 as the substantial completion date, one day later than originally scheduled.
For residents, the approved changes are unlikely to result in noticeable differences beyond the additional traffic control measures already being implemented. Instead, the revisions reflect adjustments commonly made as contractors encounter existing conditions, relocate underground utilities and refine field operations during construction.
Construction at the intersection is scheduled to continue through August, with Hayden Reporter continuing to follow the project’s progress and report on future milestones.
Resource Documents
The following public documents were included in the July 14, 2026, Hayden City Council meeting packet and are available for residents who wish to review the source materials.