Oakdale City Council approves $71K sewer line replacement project on B Street

A critical sewer line replacement project is set to move forward in Oakdale, with the City Council approving a resolution to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with Doctor Pipeline Incorporated. The project will replace 200 linear feet of aging sewer line on B Street, between North Third and North Yosemite, at a total cost of $71,500, which includes a 10% contingency.

During the meeting, officials highlighted the historical context of the existing sewer infrastructure, noting that the current line was installed in 1953 using materials that have since become outdated. The original mud joint concrete pipe, designed to last 70 to 100 years, is now showing significant wear, including a problematic belly that has prompted the need for replacement.

City representatives provided visual aids, including maps from 1953 and more recent images, to illustrate the area affected by the project. They emphasized the importance of modern inspection techniques, contrasting them with the less rigorous methods used in the past, which may have allowed undetected issues to persist for decades.

The funding for this essential infrastructure upgrade will come from the sewer capital replacement fund, ensuring that the city can maintain its commitment to public health and safety through improved wastewater management. The council's decision marks a proactive step in addressing aging infrastructure and preventing future complications.