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Richmond council approves borings for Howard Street storm‑sewer as first step toward future reconstruction
Summary
Council authorized a $7,650 geotechnical investigation to support a future Howard Street storm‑sewer and curb‑and‑gutter reconstruction, after staff said the work is needed to connect runoff under railroad tracks and residents asked whether the work will alleviate backyard flooding.
Richmond’s City Council voted Dec. 1 to authorize a geotechnical investigation for Howard Street, approving a $7,650 contract with G2 Consulting to perform soil borings and deliver a soils report.
City Manager told council the project is designed to add a storm‑sewer outlet to the Richmond Relief and Branches No. 2 drain so Howard Street runoff can be redirected under the railroad tracks. The work will require permission from CN to jack and bore under the railroad and was presented as preparatory work for a reconstruction that staff expects will not occur for at least five years.
Public Works staff said the borings are a narrow, early step to ensure railroad approval and to inform a future bid package. “This is strictly as stated just for the boring to make sure that we appease the railroad company,” a council member said during discussion.
Resident John Haffner asked whether the project would improve drainage on private driveways. Public Works staff responded that adding curb and gutter and lowering the road grade would create positive drainage into the road and should reduce water pooling at sidewalks and driveways.
Council members noted the project has been under consideration for many years and that the city has already invested in opening the county drain along the railroad. The motion to award the geotechnical contract to G2 Consulting and charge the expense to the major street fund passed by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will contract for the borings in the spring, pursue the railroad permit and use results to scope the eventual storm‑sewer construction and curb‑and‑gutter work.
