Aurora finishes relining 36‑inch transmission main; city estimates ~$950,000 cost

Public Works Director Jason Bauer told the Aurora City Council on May 12 that crews and contractors have completed relining a 36‑inch welded steel transmission main that runs beneath railroad tracks and Indian Creek.

"We're... done. Everything is back up and running," Bauer said, summarizing the project and its operational outcome.

Bauer described the method: crews excavated two pits (north and south) to feed and receive a cured‑in‑place liner that was impregnated with resin and inverted through the host pipe in a single continuous installation of about 350 feet. Miller Pipeline excavated the pits and Vortex Companies handled the liner work; the city used conveyors and staging trailers to process and launch the liner overnight to take advantage of favorable temperatures.

The 36‑inch welded steel host pipe was installed in 1991, Bauer said. He estimated the project cost "right around $950,000," with final restoration numbers still pending. He told the council the only practical alternative would have been to replace the full pipe section, which he estimated would have cost roughly three times as much and required more permitting and longer interruptions.

Bauer also said the transmission main carries about 50–60% of the water leaving the plant on a typical day, which is why the work required extensive coordination with water production and other city divisions to maintain service and pressure during repairs.

Councilmembers asked about liner material and longevity. Bauer said the liner is a felt‑type material that is impregnated with an epoxy resin and, when cured, should perform "just as good as a brand new pipe." He said the installation addresses leaking joints and preserves flow capacity.

No additional council action was requested; Bauer credited cooperation from Fox Valley Park District and outside contractors for access and specialized parts and said the city will return with final restoration costs.