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Utility conflicts under railroad tracks force developer workaround for Amberwood sewer; city, SKF pursue temporary tie‑in
Summary
Engineering staff told the council a relocated fiber utility under the Union Pacific right‑of‑way sits unusually deep, forcing multi‑party relocations that could take 18–24 months; staff and the San Joaquin Valley joint sewer authority (SKF) identified a temporary manhole connection to keep development moving while utilities are relocated.
Selma — City engineers told the council July 15 that potholed utility lines beneath Union Pacific tracks at the Amberwood/Amber project are deeper than anticipated, triggering coordination with private fiber providers and a multi‑step relocation that could be lengthy.
Public works and engineering staff said potholing under the railroad revealed two dry fiber lines at depths that conflict with the planned jack‑and‑bore for a critical sewer alignment. The city reported that one provider (Qwest/other legacy carrier) has projected a relocation timeline of roughly 18–24 months for its work; staff said they are meeting with the other carrier (Sprint/other fiber provider) to coordinate a relocation plan.
Because a long delay could hinder construction schedules, staff described a temporary solution that SKF (the regional sewer authority referenced in the meeting) reviewed and approved: a temporary connection between two manholes that provides sewer capacity sufficient for over a thousand housing units while fiber relocations proceed. City staff said SKF and the developer (Lennar) had the technical details and that the developer proceeded with a land closing after receiving assurance that the temporary connection will support near‑term construction.
Engineering staff cautioned that potholing beneath railroad rights‑of‑way is governed by Union Pacific processes and that private utilities do not always have precise record drawings for depth. The staff memo said the unexpected depth is not typical in region projects and is being treated as an unforeseen condition that will add cost; staff will negotiate with utility owners and pursue relocation agreements. The council asked staff to keep the public informed as agreements progress; staff said they had already engaged utility companies and would bring agreements to council when changes to scope or budget require formal council approval.
