Council approves $42,766 change order to replace failing storm line in West Main alley

The Moscow City Council on Aug. 4 approved change order No. 1 for the Alley West of Main Street sewer project after staff reported that construction exposed a badly deteriorated 12-inch corrugated metal stormwater pipe that must be replaced to accommodate the sanitary work.

Public works staff explained the storm line is a galvanized corrugated metal pipe with significant holes at the spring line and that the connection saddles typically used would not seal on the existing pipe. "The existing line is in pretty bad shape," staff said during the presentation, and the storm line replacement is necessary because the sewer work disturbed the pipe and associated catch basins.

Scope and cost

- Original contract award (April 7, 2025): approximately $360,000. - Change order No. 1: increase of $42,766.19 (an 11.65% increase), raising the adjusted contract amount to approximately $409,679.51. - Scope: removal and replacement of the corroded 12-inch stormpipe segment running the alley between Friendship Square and Sixth Street; replacement will use ADS (plastic) pipe sized to current standards. - Funding: staff stated sanitary (sewer) funds will absorb the change order cost because the sanitary construction directly triggered the need for the storm line replacement.

Timing and work impacts

Staff said the contractor will not request additional time beyond the current schedule; work will continue with temporary traffic and parking impacts in the alley. Steel plates will cover openings at night. The project team intends to retain the current target for completing the alley work before late-September community events (homecoming and settling of the farmers market into the alley).

Council action and vote

Motion to approve change order No. 1 with Valid Excavation (contractor) increasing contract by $42,766.19 to $409,679.51 and to authorize staff approval of construction change orders up to 10% of the adjusted contract amount. Roll-call: Sandra ' Aye; Julia ' Aye; Hailey ' Aye; Bryce ' Aye; Gina ' Aye; Drew ' Aye. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters

The storm line replacement addresses structural failure discovered during work and is intended to prevent future failures and ponding in a high-traffic downtown alley. Replacing the line now avoids a likely, more disruptive, later repair and reduces long-term maintenance risk for both storm and sanitary systems.

Speakers relevant to this article

- Bob Bevelle, public works (presenter for the alley sewer project), described the pipe condition, photos and recommended replacement. - Council members recorded in the vote: Sandra (council member), Julia (council member), Hailey (council member), Bryce (council member), Gina (mayor/council member), Drew (council member).

Clarifying details

- Pipe type and condition: 12-inch corrugated metal galvanized storm pipe with holes at the spring line; staff said local soil chemistry accelerates galvanic deterioration. - Contract adjustment: $42,766.19, ~11.65% of original $360,000 contract. - Deadline sensitivity: staff emphasized the team's goal to complete work prior to the University of Idaho homecoming (Oct. 11) and farmers market reconfiguration; current target remains late September for site re-closure.

Provenance

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