Romulus awards $2.67 million contract to replace 12-inch water main on Inkster Road

The Romulus City Council on Monday approved a $2,667,879 contract, with a 10% contingency, to replace a 12-inch water main along Inkster Road between Van Born and Burchdale.

Council voted to award bid ITB 24-25-09 to PayMar Enterprise Incorporated, bringing the total authorized amount with contingency to $2,934,666.90. The expenditure will be paid from the city’s water and sewer fund, Assistant Finance Director Gary Harris confirmed during the meeting.

The project covers roughly 7,000 feet of 12-inch main and, according to the department presentation, serves about 5,500 residents in the area. The city described the work as necessary after “numerous breaks” in the existing main.

Council members asked about timing and service interruptions. Roberto Scappettici, director of public works, said work cannot begin until April 15 under contract terms but that crews expect to start construction in late June or early July and to reach final completion in September. During construction, staff said the city will provide temporary supply to affected residents and businesses either by connecting to a nearby hydrant or by creating temporary connections to other mains in the area.

The motion to award the contract was made and seconded during the meeting; the council conducted a roll-call vote and approved the award.

Because the project will require short-term shutdowns of the affected main, staff said residents will be notified in advance and that temporary supply plans will be implemented to maintain service while crews replace the pipe. City officials said the contingency is intended to cover unforeseen field conditions that often arise during underground infrastructure work.

The council’s approval was recorded as part of a larger consent and procurement agenda the council considered during the meeting.