Board clears Xcel excavation to repair collapsed conduit in Riverpointe development

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved Xcel Energy’s request to excavate city streets to locate and repair a collapsed conduit in the Riverpointe/Riverbend development.

Jason McRoberts, representing Xcel Energy, said the permit description listed an incorrect address and that the actual work is on Eagle Rest Road in the Riverpointe/Riverbend area. He told the board that when crews tried to pull cable through conduit they encountered a collapse about 200 feet long and, based on site conditions and contractor records, they "believe Integrity... probably crushed some of our conduit in the process while doing this." McRoberts said Xcel will use sewer‑scoping equipment and aim for minimal excavation to find and repair the damaged conduit, and that coordination with gas and other contractors is planned.

Director Gallagher said Board approval was required because the roads are new (less than five years old) and recommended that any approval explicitly cover the intersection of Eagle Rest Road and Craft Street and the 200 block of Craft Street to match the permit's correct scope. Gallagher cautioned repairs could be expensive because the concrete is new and includes specific color blends.

Board members asked whether similar issues might exist elsewhere in the development and whether tenant schedules would be affected. McRoberts said Xcel expects to scope the conduit and perform necessary excavation within about a month and that he would coordinate with gas contractors and the tenant build‑out schedule.

A motion to approve the excavation, amended to include the intersection of Eagle Rest Road and Craft Street and the 200 block of Craft Street, was made by Director Train and seconded by Council member Goggin; the motion passed unanimously.