April 19, 2022 |
In Saratoga, the Joint Powers Water and Sewer Board reviewed the details of the Spring Avenue water replacement project with project managers from T-O Engineers last week.
JPB hired T-O as the engineer of record earlier this year to scope and design the project, which involves replacing 1,700 feet of aging waterline from the water treatment plant on River Street to the elementary school. New pavement, curb and gutter will also be installed.
Engineers, who joined the conference remotely, see the project as fairly straightforward. One of the biggest challenges is securing the pipe, mechanical joints fire hydrants and other materials needed to finish the project this year. Supply chain shortages in some materials, such as 10-inch pipe, have meant alternatives will be used. One brand of fire hydrants is six months out, so another manufacturer’s product will be used.
Public Works Director Jon Winter explained the concern about having different types of fire hydrants.
The project calls for at least three new hydrants, perhaps four.
Josh Morris, T-O’s project manager, told the board that his team would develop a preliminary list of needed materials in time for tonight’s Saratoga Town Council meeting. Board Chair Richard Raymer and Councilman Jon Nelson nailed down the details of putting an initial list together with T-O.
Pictured above: File photo of Downtown Saratoga. Photo by Bigfoot 99.
Because of uncertainty surrounding the availability of materials, board members agreed put in a purchase order for the entire job now rather than in phases as the project progresses through the summer.
Chairman Raymer said he wanted to avoid construction interfering with school this fall.
Spring Avenue is on a school bus route. The other big challenge is replacing the waterline across First Street, which is a state highway. WYDOT typically requires contractors to bore underneath a highway. A bore requires additional time and equipment. That costs money and T-O brought up the idea of cutting a trench.
T-O engineers said they would continue to study the intersection at First and Spring, consult with the contractor who will do the work, and then bring their ideas and suggestions to WYDOT.
If all goes as planned, council should have a preliminary list to look at as part of tonight’s regular meeting.
The project, which voters approved for specific purpose tax funding, will cost around $1.6 million. This includes about $734,000 for water line replacement, and about $930,000 for the restoration and repaving of Spring Street.
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