LAKEPORT >> The city of Lakeport will be replacing a waterline on Giselman Street after selecting a bid for the project. The new system will provide service lines for those residing on the limits of the area. The water main will also include laterals, so those who want a fire sprinkler system installed during remodeling or new construction will have the option to do so.
The project will replace a 1,356 foot main water line and will take place during the Lakeport School District’s summer break period to create less traffic impacts.
The city is looking to award the lowest bidder, Green Right O’Way Constructors, Inc., for $393,068. The estimated amount for this project was $408,412.
Doug Grider the Public Works Director for Lakeport said the city is pursuing replacement work on the water main because of its age. Crews from the city are routinely forced to make repairs on the line.
“The existing water main has been in there forever and we have a lot issues with it, mainly leaks. It springs leaks all the time,” Grider said. “It takes staff and resources to go in and replace it.”
The matter became critical this winter and spring. As the lakefront routes flooded, Giselman became a detour route both for students and staff of the schools and for those needing to reach their homes. The street could barely manage the strain of additional traffic. And this made it clear that water line work was necessary, as well.
“That roadway needs to be resurfaced, but we are not going to spend money and resurface something if we have to go back in and fix water leaks in the water main underneath,” Grider said.
Once the project gets underway, Grider estimates there will probably be a one lane closure through much of the work. The city hopes to avoid shutting down both lanes. The road will be repaved after the pipe is put in place and the city is given time to monitor it and make sure there are no leaks and it runs properly.
When this process is complete, crews will pave over the pipe and repair the road.
“The road is a separate contract. We find that pavers don’t do a lot of utility work like that. They would have to subcontract that out,” Grider said. “Our hope is once they (residents in the city) realize what’s going on, they will find alternate routes. The school is the biggest contributor to traffic.”
Since the pavement work will be under a separate contract, new proposals and budgets will have to be compiled.
The budget for this current project will come from various funds from Lakeport. A budgeted amount from the Water OM fund of $180,000 will come from the current Fiscal Year and $123,068 will be from the 17/18 Fiscal Year Water OM fund. The last $90,000 will be from the Water Expansion Fund.
Grider said their hope is to have the correct paperwork and signatures in and get the project started by the first week of June.
