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Norwalk council approves West High Road subdrain retrofit, awards $192,458 contract after public hearing
Summary
The council held a public hearing and approved three resolutions to authorize a subdrain retrofit on West High Road, accepting staff findings that the targeted work will protect existing pavement and prevent moisture-related failures; TK Concrete won the $192,458 contract.
Norwalk City Council on Thursday approved a three-step package of resolutions to proceed with a subdrain retrofit project on West High Road, following a public hearing in which staff explained the retrofit is intended to reduce subsurface moisture and extend pavement life.
The project will add subdrains and granular backfill behind curb sections for a pilot segment of West High Road and will include targeted concrete panel replacement where needed, staff said. Public-works staff described the effort as a pilot intended to test whether subsurface drainage improvements reduce water migration into the pavement and slow future deterioration.
During the public hearing, staff read written questions and answers submitted by Council member Jackie, who could not attend; staff said West High Road — built about 10 years ago as concrete — differs from other nearby pavements that now require full reconstruction. Staff said the retrofit is not a full-width reconstruction but a localized storm-sewer and subdrain installation designed to capture subsurface moisture before pavement failure proceeds.
A resident asked whether the retrofit would change drainage patterns affecting a property on Redwood Drive; staff and the engineer said the project is designed to capture subsurface moisture along the roadway and that the retrofit should not adversely affect the resident’s yard or change drainage toward that property.
Council approved three separate resolutions required to start the work: final approval of plan and specifications; award of the construction contract; and approval of the contract and bond. The council awarded the construction contract to TK Concrete in the amount of $192,458.
Votes and motions: council members present approved each resolution by roll call. Staff recorded motions from Council member Kuehl and Council member Meineke during the plan approval; the contract award motion was made by Council member Baker and seconded by Meineke. Kayla/Caitlin (city clerk) called the roll for each action and recorded affirmative votes from the council members present.
Why it matters: staff said the subdrain approach could be a cost-effective way to extend the useful life of concrete pavement where subsurface moisture from irrigation and other sources has softened the subgrade. Staff also told council they are updating subdivision standards to require subdrains and granular backfill in new streets in areas where geotechnical reports or conditions indicate the need.
Implementation: staff recommended phasing changes to subdivision standards and will return to the council with proposed code amendments and an implementation schedule so the council can decide how quickly to require new standards for future development.
Ending: The council’s approval authorizes staff to execute the contract with TK Concrete and begin the retrofit work; staff estimated construction would proceed on the timeline shown in the contract documents and will report back to council if project scope or cost needs change.
