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Hamilton Avenue capacity upgrades proceed as crews handle groundwater and utility conflicts
Summary
Public Works staff updated the committee on Hamilton Avenue capacity upgrades, describing installation of a 48‑inch HDPE pipe and 72‑inch manholes, frequent groundwater ingress and unmarked utility conflicts, and use of contingencies and change orders when unforeseen utility repairs arise.
The committee heard a progress report on Hamilton Avenue capacity upgrades and related rehab work.
Vicky (engineering staff) said construction began in January and crews are installing a 48‑inch HDPE main and 72‑inch manholes; she showed photos of manhole bases and excavations. Staff outlined challenges encountered in the field, including groundwater that can rapidly fill deep trenches, numerous unmarked utilities that interfere with trenching, and brittle vintage sewer laterals that sometimes need replacement when exposed.
Vicky and other members said these unforeseen conditions can increase cost via change orders. Staff explained contingency is currently included in project budgets (typically around 10%) and many of the unexpected repairs are being handled through existing contingencies, though they cautioned that if contingencies are exhausted it would affect budgets going forward.
Staff also reported that a separate bid package for the Allister Avenue (12‑inch) rehab was issued after initial alternate bids on Hamilton came in high; staff issued a notice of intent to award and plan to schedule the contract on a council agenda with summer construction timed to avoid school traffic.
