Head-to-Head
Route Comparison
Route A is shorter and ~$3,600 cheaper but crosses a seasonal creek. Route B avoids the creek for a modest premium.
Route A
$65,634
$93.76 / LF
700 LF · Direct alignment
Crosses seasonal creek
285' + 113' + 303' (measured)
0.32 acre disturbance · 399 tons aggregate
Crosses seasonal creek
285' + 113' + 303' (measured)
0.32 acre disturbance · 399 tons aggregate
Route B
$69,273
$81.50 / LF
~850 LF · Southern alignment
Avoids creek entirely
Length estimated, pending survey
0.39 acre disturbance · 484 tons aggregate
Avoids creek entirely
Length estimated, pending survey
0.39 acre disturbance · 484 tons aggregate
| Category | Route A | Route B | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Conditions | $10,500 | $9,500 | −$1,000 |
| Clearing & Grubbing | $3,322 | $4,047 | +$725 |
| Earthwork | $5,616 | $6,796 | +$1,180 |
| Drainage (standard) | $9,880 | $12,570 | +$2,690 |
| Creek Crossing | $4,590 | — | −$4,590 |
| Base Course | $13,819 | $16,776 | +$2,957 |
| Surface Course | $4,796 | $5,808 | +$1,012 |
| Finish Work | $4,550 | $4,740 | +$190 |
| Direct Cost | $57,073 | $60,237 | +$3,164 |
| Contingency (15%) | $8,561 | $9,036 | +$475 |
| Estimated Total | $65,634 | $69,273 | +$3,639 |
Route B costs ~$3,600 more overall but eliminates $4,590 in creek crossing work and all associated regulatory risk. The extra 150 feet of road adds ~$8,000 in material and labor, offset by avoiding the creek.
Risk Assessment
Risk Comparison
Route A carries significant unknowns around the seasonal creek. Route B has a more predictable cost profile.
| Risk Factor | Route A | Route B |
|---|---|---|
| Fish presence | If fish-bearing, ODFW requires fish passage. Could add $8,000–$25,000 for bottomless arch or bridge. | N/A |
| Jurisdictional waters | May trigger Section 404 (Army Corps) and/or DSL fill-removal permit. | N/A |
| In-water work window | Creek work limited to July 1 – Sept 15. Scheduling constraint. | No constraint |
| Flow uncertainty | 24" culvert assumed. If drainage area is larger, 36"+ required (+$1,500–$3,000). | N/A |
| Permitting complexity | Higher — potential ODFW, Army Corps, DSL involvement | Standard approach permit only |
| Alignment certainty | Measured (285' + 113' + 303') | Estimated ~850 ft, needs survey |
| Long-term maintenance | Creek culvert needs periodic inspection & debris clearing | Standard road maintenance only |
Route A worst case: If the seasonal creek is fish-bearing or jurisdictional, Route A costs could increase by $10,000–$25,000 for fish passage design, permitting, and a larger crossing structure — plus 2–4 months of permitting lead time. This would make Route A significantly more expensive than Route B.
The creek assessment is the decision point. If the creek is non-fish-bearing and non-jurisdictional, Route A is ~$3,600 cheaper and 150 ft shorter. If there's any question about fish or jurisdictional status, Route B eliminates that risk entirely for a modest premium.
Route A
Cost Breakdown
Base & Surface
33%
$18,615
Drainage + Creek
25%
$14,470
General Cond.
18%
$10,500
Earthwork
10%
$5,616
Finish Work
8%
$4,550
Clearing
6%
$3,322
Direct Cost
$57,073
Contingency (15%)
$8,561
Route A Total
$65,634
Route A
Line Items
1.0 General Conditions $10,500
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Mobilization / Demobilization | LS | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 1.2 Surveying & Staking | LS | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| 1.3 Erosion Control (Temporary) | LS | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| 1.4 Traffic Control (approach work) | LS | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| 1.5 Permits & Fees | LS | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Subtotal 1.0 | $10,500 | |||
Erosion control increased ($3,000 → $3,500) for creek protection: additional silt fence, turbidity curtain, and stream buffer BMPs. Permits increased ($1,500 → $2,000) to cover potential ODFW fish screening and Lane County drainage review for the creek crossing.
2.0 Clearing & Grubbing $3,322
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 Clear & grub (light woods) | ACRE | 0.32 | $6,500 | $2,080 |
| 2.2 Strip topsoil (6") | CY | 207 | $6.00 | $1,242 |
| Subtotal 2.0 | $3,322 | |||
All cut trees and underbrush piled on-site per owner direction. Piling is included in the clearing unit price. No off-site hauling, chipping, or burning. Owner assumes responsibility for eventual disposal of piled material. No timber salvage credit.
3.0 Earthwork $5,616
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 Excavation (common) | CY | 100 | $12.00 | $1,200 |
| 3.2 Fill placement & compaction | CY | 50 | $9.00 | $450 |
| 3.3 Subgrade preparation | SY | 933 | $3.50 | $3,266 |
| 3.4 Proof-roll | LF | 700 | $1.00 | $700 |
| Subtotal 3.0 | $5,616 | |||
Minimal earthwork — undulating terrain with slight rise. Subgrade prep includes 3–4% crown, moisture conditioning, compaction. Proof-roll with loaded dump truck to identify soft spots; over-excavation at $15/CY additional.
4.0 Drainage $9,880
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 18" CMP cross-drain culverts | LF | 72 | $40.00 | $2,880 |
| 4.2 Culvert end sections (metal) | EA | 6 | $275.00 | $1,650 |
| 4.3 Ditch excavation (V-ditch, uphill) | LF | 700 | $5.50 | $3,850 |
| 4.4 Rock check dams | EA | 4 | $275.00 | $1,100 |
| 4.5 Rip-rap (outlet protection) | CY | 5 | $80.00 | $400 |
| Subtotal 4.0 | $9,880 | |||
Three standard cross-drain culverts at low points, each 24 LF. Ditch on uphill side only.
4A Creek Crossing $4,590
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4A.1 24" CMP culvert (F&I) | LF | 30 | $55.00 | $1,650 |
| 4A.2 Concrete headwalls | EA | 2 | $400.00 | $800 |
| 4A.3 Rip-rap — energy dissipation | CY | 8 | $80.00 | $640 |
| 4A.4 Streambank stabilization | LS | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Subtotal 4A.0 | $4,590 | |||
This is the most uncertain cost in Route A. 24" CMP minimum; 36" may be required depending on drainage area (+$1,500–$2,000). If fish-bearing: ODFW requires width ≥ 1.2× bankfull, 20% embedment — could need bottomless arch or bridge, adding $8,000–$25,000. In-water work window: July 1 – Sept 15.
5.0 Base Course $13,819
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 Geotextile separation (non-woven) | SY | 1,244 | $2.25 | $2,799 |
| 5.2 Aggregate base — delivered (3/4" minus) | TON | 290 | $32.00 | $9,280 |
| 5.3 Aggregate base — place & compact | TON | 290 | $6.00 | $1,740 |
| Subtotal 5.0 | $13,819 | |||
8" aggregate base in two 4" lifts. If borings show CBR > 5, base could reduce to 6" (saving ~$2,500). ~10 mile haul from Cottage Grove area quarry.
6.0 Surface Course $4,796
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 Surface aggregate — delivered (3/4" minus) | TON | 109 | $38.00 | $4,142 |
| 6.2 Surface aggregate — place & compact | TON | 109 | $6.00 | $654 |
| Subtotal 6.0 | $4,796 | |||
3" surface course of well-graded 3/4" minus crushed rock. Higher unit price than base due to tighter gradation spec.
7.0 Finish Work $4,550
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 Shoulder grading | LF | 1,400 | $1.50 | $2,100 |
| 7.2 Permanent erosion control | LS | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 7.3 Seeding & mulching | ACRE | 0.20 | $1,000 | $200 |
| 7.4 Signage & delineation | LS | 1 | $250 | $250 |
| 7.5 Final cleanup | LS | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| Subtotal 7.0 | $4,550 | |||
Permanent erosion control increased ($1,200 → $1,500) for creek-adjacent work. Native seed mix per conservation easement requirements.
Route B
Cost Breakdown
Base & Surface
37%
$22,584
Drainage
21%
$12,570
General Cond.
16%
$9,500
Earthwork
11%
$6,796
Finish Work
8%
$4,740
Clearing
7%
$4,047
Direct Cost
$60,237
Contingency (15%)
$9,036
Route B Total
$69,273
Route B
Line Items
1.0 General Conditions $9,500
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Mobilization / Demobilization | LS | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 1.2 Surveying & Staking | LS | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| 1.3 Erosion Control (Temporary) | LS | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 1.4 Traffic Control (approach work) | LS | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| 1.5 Permits & Fees | LS | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Subtotal 1.0 | $9,500 | |||
Standard erosion control — no creek protection needed. Standard permitting: Lane County approach permit, Oregon 811.
2.0 Clearing & Grubbing $4,047
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 Clear & grub (light woods) | ACRE | 0.39 | $6,500 | $2,535 |
| 2.2 Strip topsoil (6") | CY | 252 | $6.00 | $1,512 |
| Subtotal 2.0 | $4,047 | |||
Same spec as Route A: all cut trees and underbrush piled on-site per owner direction. Larger clearing area (0.39 vs 0.32 acre) due to longer road. Still well under 1-acre 1200-C threshold.
3.0 Earthwork $6,796
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 Excavation (common) | CY | 120 | $12.00 | $1,440 |
| 3.2 Fill placement & compaction | CY | 60 | $9.00 | $540 |
| 3.3 Subgrade preparation | SY | 1,133 | $3.50 | $3,966 |
| 3.4 Proof-roll | LF | 850 | $1.00 | $850 |
| Subtotal 3.0 | $6,796 | |||
Scaled proportionally to longer alignment. Route B terrain not yet walked — actual cut/fill could vary.
4.0 Drainage $12,570
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 18" CMP cross-drain culverts | LF | 96 | $40.00 | $3,840 |
| 4.2 Culvert end sections (metal) | EA | 8 | $275.00 | $2,200 |
| 4.3 Ditch excavation (V-ditch, uphill) | LF | 850 | $5.50 | $4,675 |
| 4.4 Rock check dams | EA | 5 | $275.00 | $1,375 |
| 4.5 Rip-rap (outlet protection) | CY | 6 | $80.00 | $480 |
| Subtotal 4.0 | $12,570 | |||
Four cross-drain culverts (one additional vs Route A due to longer road with more low points). No creek crossing — standard road drainage only.
5.0 Base Course $16,776
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 Geotextile separation (non-woven) | SY | 1,511 | $2.25 | $3,400 |
| 5.2 Aggregate base — delivered (3/4" minus) | TON | 352 | $32.00 | $11,264 |
| 5.3 Aggregate base — place & compact | TON | 352 | $6.00 | $2,112 |
| Subtotal 5.0 | $16,776 | |||
62 additional tons vs Route A (352 vs 290 tons). This is the largest cost driver for Route B’s premium — more road length means more rock.
6.0 Surface Course $5,808
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 Surface aggregate — delivered (3/4" minus) | TON | 132 | $38.00 | $5,016 |
| 6.2 Surface aggregate — place & compact | TON | 132 | $6.00 | $792 |
| Subtotal 6.0 | $5,808 | |||
3" surface course of well-graded 3/4" minus crushed rock. 23 additional tons vs Route A.
7.0 Finish Work $4,740
| Item | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 Shoulder grading | LF | 1,700 | $1.50 | $2,550 |
| 7.2 Permanent erosion control | LS | 1 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| 7.3 Seeding & mulching | ACRE | 0.24 | $1,000 | $240 |
| 7.4 Signage & delineation | LS | 1 | $250 | $250 |
| 7.5 Final cleanup | LS | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| Subtotal 7.0 | $4,740 | |||
Standard erosion control and seeding. Native seed mix per conservation easement requirements.
Value Engineering
Savings & Alternates
Potential savings apply to both routes. Add-alternates are priced for each route based on length.
Savings Opportunities
Owner-performed clearing$1.5K–$2K
Better soils (CBR>5)$2.5K–$4K
Owner hires surveyor$2K–$2.5K
Combine w/ nearby work$1.5K–$3K
Fewer culverts needed$1K–$2K
Add-Alternates
Chip seal surface+$7.5K–$9K
Passing turnout (40×8 ft)+$1.8K each
Dust palliative (MgCl)+$1.5K–$1.8K
Gate at road entrance+$1.5K
Basis of Estimate
Shared Assumptions
Both routes share these assumptions. The estimate will be refined as site investigation data becomes available.
- Clay subgrade assumed (Jory/Bellpine series), CBR 3–6 wet. No site-specific borings yet.
- 8" base + 3" surface over geotextile. Designed for CBR < 5.
- No rock excavation. If rock encountered, pricing changes significantly.
- Dry season construction (June–September). Productivity factor 1.0.
- Private work — no prevailing wages, no performance bonds.
- Light woods — scattered trees, second-growth Douglas fir.
- Single-lane road, no passing turnouts. 20 ft clearing width.
- One-side ditch (uphill side) for full road length.
- Aggregate haul ~10 miles from Cottage Grove area quarries.
- No wetland impacts. If wetland fill required, add permits + mitigation.
- Disturbance under 1 acre (both routes) — below DEQ 1200-C threshold.
- Equipment is local. Minimal mobilization costs.
- All cut trees and underbrush piled on-site per owner direction. No off-site hauling.
Contingency Justification (15% Both Routes)
No soil borings yetHigh risk
No topographic surveyMedium risk
No wetland screeningMedium risk
Conservation easement unknownsMedium risk
Creek characteristics (Route A only)High risk
WeatherLow risk
Action Items
Next Steps
The creek assessment is the single most important next step — it determines whether Route A or B is the right choice.
-
Walk both alignments Verify terrain, tree density, drainage patterns, and wet areas for each route
-
Assess the creek Determine if seasonal drainage is fish-bearing (ODFW screening), measure bankfull width, estimate flow. This is the key Route A vs B decision factor.
-
Get soil data NRCS Web Soil Survey + hand auger borings at 3–5 locations per route ($500–$1,000 DIY)
-
Survey Route B Confirm actual alignment length (currently estimated ~850 ft from map)
-
Review conservation easement May impose requirements that favor one route. Get written approval before any disturbance.
-
Confirm approach permit location Routes connect to Cerro Gordo Rd at different points; each needs its own approach review with Lane County
-
Get aggregate quotes & contractor bids Local suppliers for delivered pricing; 2–3 bids from earthwork/road contractors, ideally for both routes