Shoreline Waterline Replacement

City Council authorized the Advertisement of an Invitation to Bid (ITB) on November 18, 2024, for the Shoreline Waterline Replacement project. In 2022, the waterline replacement project was initially advertised as part of the Gilmore Basin Drainage/Eufaula Outfall project. However, in March 2022, the city received only two bids for this project, with the lowest bid amounting to $6.7 million. Since this bid exceeded the project's budget, no action was taken at that time. In May 2023, the City Council authorized the rejection of all bids for the Gilmore Basin Drainage/Eufaula Outfall project and approved the re-advertisement of just the outfall unit, allowing the city to utilize the awarded grant funds.

The Shoreline Waterline Replacement project involves removing the existing 4-inch and 6-inch asbestos cement (AC) waterlines and replacing them with approximately 3,250 linear feet of 6-inch PVC waterline. All existing water services will be transferred from the old lines to the new ones, and the old waterlines will be capped and abandoned in place. This project is located along Shoreline Drive, spanning from Hampton Street to Washington Street, and includes sections along Eufaula Street and Catawba Street. While the primary aim is to replace the asbestos cement waterlines, redundant waterlines along Shoreline Drive (one 4-inch AC and one 6-inch AC) will be replaced with a single 6-inch PVC waterline. Additionally, a significant portion of the existing 6-inch AC waterline along Shoreline Drive is located under a sidewalk, while the new line will be installed in the grassed right-of-way, facilitating better access to the main.

The existing waterlines have significantly deteriorated, resulting in numerous leaks and service interruptions. Given the increasing regulatory concerns and health risks associated with asbestos cement pipes, it was essential to replace this section with modern, safe materials. In light of the recent awarding of the Eufaula Outfall Treatment Unit contract, staff recommended that the waterline replacement project be re-advertised as soon as possible. This approach will allow both projects to be constructed concurrently, minimizing the impact on residents within the project area.

The bids received will be presented to the city council for approval. Additionally, the financing plan for the waterline replacement project will be supported through Reserved Capital from the Water, Sewer, and Wastewater fund.

12.11.2024 Staff received 100% updated plans from Municipal Engineering Services Incorporated (MESI). City staff will review plans and are working on updating all required documents for the ITB package.