The Roanoke Times

File June Construction on the new elementary school (shown) in Elliston began Dec. 1, 2008. The new school on Prices Fork Road will be identical to this one.

| Anna L. Mallory

anna.mallory@roanoke.com, 381-8627

Nine construction companies want to build the new elementary school on Prices Fork Road.

The anticipated construction costs range from $15.6 million to $17.79 million, according to public bids opened Tuesday afternoon.

A final decision on whom to hire for the job isn't expected until January, when the Montgomery County School Board meets again, said Dan Berenato, the county's facilities director.

However, he said his department is likely to send a letter of intent to the lowest bidder by Christmas given that company is deemed "responsible and responsive," per law. Bids for the project were solicited Nov. 15.

The companies interested, and their base bids, are:

Howard Shockey and Sons of Winchester, $15.6 million

John S. Clark Co. of Mount Airy, N.C., $16.19 million

Martin Brothers Contractors of Roanoke, $16.25 million

Avis Construction of Roanoke, $16.54 million

Lionberger Construction of Roanoke, $16.59 million

Kenbridge Construction of South Hill, $16.67 million

Branch and Associates of Roanoke, $16.77 million

DeVere Construction of Apex, N.C., $16.87 million

Swope Construction of Bluefield, W.Va., $17.79 million

The bids also include projected costs in case the company comes across "unsuitable soil" that needs to be removed and replaced during site work. That amount is not factored into deciding which is the lowest responsible bidder, Berenato said.

The elementary school, which will be identical to the one now under construction in Elliston, is expected to be opened in 2011.

School officials are planning a fall opening for Eastern Montgomery Elementary School. It is being constructed by Branch and Associates, which bid about $18.6 million.

Berenato attributed the differences in bid amounts for the identical floor plans to the competitive market and slow economy as well as the disparities between the site work. The Prices Fork school will be adjacent to the road and will not require construction of an access road, unlike the Elliston school. Also, the sewage systems are different.

The county acquired the 20 acres it needs for the new Prices Fork school through a land swap involving both Virginia Tech and its foundation.