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Committee authorizes emergency non-bid contract after Cypress Creek sewer line failure; estimate $433,000
Summary
The Tuscaloosa City Public Works Committee authorized an emergency, non-bid public works contract with Price Civil Services to repair a failed storm drain and an 18-inch sewer line near Cypress Creek Avenue after heavy rains undermined the pipe and caused a sewer break.
The Tuscaloosa City Public Works Committee authorized an emergency, non-bid public works contract with Price Civil Services to repair storm drain and sanitary sewer damage near Cypress Creek Avenue after heavy rain damaged a corrugated metal pipe and an 18-inch sewer line.
Staff said the failure allowed water to escape the pipe and undermine surrounding soil, ultimately causing a break in an 18-inch sanitary sewer conveyance. Water and Sewer staff assisted with bypass pumping to stop active leakage; staff said sewage is currently being diverted and the leak is contained. The city received a unit-price estimate this morning from the contractor that totals $433,000; staff said the estimate was prepared from field observation rather than formal bid documents and that the cost is somewhat preliminary.
Staff recommended, and the committee approved, suspending the rules to proceed without bidding due to the emergency. Funding will come from the city—s neighborhood drainage fund; staff said the fund balance can cover the estimate but that the item takes precedence over other planned projects. The item was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Staff said the city will work with the contractor to minimize costs where possible and will continue coordination with Water and Sewer on system capacity and repairs. No final contract amount was provided beyond the initial unit-price estimate.
