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Onalaska faces major Grandview Boulevard water‑main repair; staff estimates up to $400,000 for full replacement
Summary
Staff described a large water‑main leak on Grandview Boulevard discovered via SCADA on Dec. 24. Crews repaired the service, but photos show 40 feet of undermined roadway and a corroded ductile‑iron pipe installed in 1986. Staff outlined options from a $50,000–$75,000 street repair to a full water‑main replacement (estimated over $400,000) and will bring a recommendation to the City Council next week.
City staff reported a significant water‑main failure in the Grandview Boulevard area and outlined repair options and budget implications at Tuesday’s Board meeting.
Jared Holter described how SCADA alarms led crews to locate a leak the day before Christmas Eve; staff worked through the day and restored service to affected customers about 1:30 p.m. Holter said video and photos show the pipe undermined a long section of road and that the removed pipe segment had advanced corrosion down to the inner coating.
Holter said the failed line was installed in 1986 and consists of ductile iron. He attributed the failure to a combination of factors, including placement directly on limestone shale without adequate bedding sand and ongoing freeze‑thaw movement that can stress joints. “When the pipe was installed, they didn’t put any bedding sand in. It was laid right on the shale,” Holter said.
Staff described repair options: a minimal street repair to make the road passable and close the undermined section (estimated $50,000–$75,000), or an emergency full water‑main replacement under the worst conditions, for which an initial estimate exceeded $400,000. The Board was told that bidding the full replacement as a capital project could allow more controlled procurement and scheduling, whereas emergency repairs could be faster but costlier.
Holter said staff expects to have more complete cost estimates and a recommendation for the City Council by the next meeting and proposed placing the issue on the council nonconsent agenda so members can consider funding options, including re‑prioritizing CIP funds or using proposed mortgage revenue bond proceeds. Staff noted they will consult legal counsel to determine whether additional public notice or hearings are required if budgets are altered.
Board members urged prompt neighborhood communication because residents have been inconvenienced by the outage and barricades. Holter said staff would notify the subdivision when they have a firm direction.
Next steps: staff will finalize repair cost estimates, consult legal counsel on budget/funding mechanics, and present a formal recommendation and funding plan to the City Council at the next meeting.
