Staunton outlines $4.62M wharf tunnel and street repairs, phased construction and business mitigations

Staunton — City engineers outlined a multi‑year plan to repair and strengthen three deteriorating tunnels and associated streets near the wharf, describing an anticipated contract award, work sequencing and community mitigation measures.

Public Works presented the project background and structural conditions, including concrete delamination, steel reinforcement corrosion and a compromised water main. The city opened bids and received a single responsive bid from Valley Infrastructure of Lexington totaling $4,620,000, staff said; the city expects to finalize contract award and move into preconstruction activity with mobilization in late winter.

Staff described a top‑down construction approach that will remove and replace tunnel walls and roofs, relocate utilities (including burying two 8‑inch gas mains and a 10‑inch water main to reduce vulnerability in flood events), and use precast concrete segments where appropriate. Phasing will begin at Byer Street, then shift to Johnson Street (the most disruptive phase with road closures and detours) and finish with New Street work expected into spring 2027.

City staff emphasized mitigation: advance communication, a detailed traffic management and bypass‑pumping plan, stakeholder coordination with the farmers market and downtown businesses, parking management and consideration of small marketing grants to support affected businesses. Staff said the project restores long‑term utility access, widens repaired tunnels at Byer and Johnson streets and replaces corroded suspended utilities with protected underground lines.

What happens next: City staff expect to finalize contract award, complete detailed contractor schedules and shop drawings, and present updates to council as phases and detours are finalized.