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Commission awards water‑main and underdrain replacement for Ranchwood Drive South and Hitching Post Lane
Summary
The Commission awarded a $614,675.55 contract to Evolution Contracting Inc. to replace aging 4‑inch cast‑iron water mains with 6‑inch PVC, add two fire hydrants and install about 926 feet of underdrain to improve stormwater drainage and reduce recurring main breaks.
The commission on March 18 approved the construction contract for water main and underdrain replacement on Ranchwood Drive South and Hitching Post Lane.
Project Engineer Alex Gonzales recommended award of Bid 25‑2507 to Evolution Contracting Inc. of Clearwater for $614,675.55. Staff said the work will replace four documented breaks on the original 4‑inch main (installed during development decades ago) by upsizing the distribution mains to 6‑inch PVC, which improves hydraulics, fire protection and water quality. The project also includes about 926 linear feet of 6‑inch underdrain on Ranchwood Drive to reduce stormwater infiltration into the roadway base.
Staff told the commission that the feeder main in the area is 12 inches and that the 6‑inch replacement lines meet modern standards; two new fire hydrants will be added (one on Hitching Post Lane and one on Ranchwood Drive South). Commissioners asked whether upsizing a local main can cause pressure changes elsewhere; staff said upsizing does not reduce household pressure and instead improves available flow and fire protection.
Commissioners also asked about pipe material and longevity; staff said the line being replaced is cast iron and that modern PVC has a projected lifetime of about 80 years compared with older cast iron’s vulnerability to brittle failures.
The commission approved the award by unanimous vote.
