Water and Sewer Commission approves $82,000 repair of forced main at Bridge Street

The Richmond Water and Sewer Commission voted Nov. 18 to approve Purchase Order #4753 to All Seasons Excavating for repair of the forced main under the Bridge Street bridge. The motion as read in the meeting text identified the amount as $82,000; a later line in the transcript incorrectly references $882,000, which appears to be a transcription error.

The work was described by staff as a post‑flood emergency repair stemming from damage during the December flood; commissioners said bids were scarce and costs were higher than pre‑flood estimates. Staff noted the contractor completed the job and that, while there were some cosmetic items commissioners thought could be improved, the line is structurally restored and hangers and insulation have been reinforced.

Commissioners used the discussion to consider longer‑term protections for the crossing, including raising the line where possible, adding skid plates beneath the bridge, or installing upstream debris‑restraining structures. Members noted tradeoffs: barriers upstream must be placed close to the bridge to be effective and could be overwhelmed during flood events; engineering to raise or better protect the pipe would be a separate project and likely costly.

The motion to approve the purchase order passed during the meeting. The transcript does not name the mover or seconder for this motion; the record shows the commission approved the payment and moved on to warrants.

Next steps: staff will proceed with payment to the contractor and will include longer‑term protection and relocation options for the Bridge Street crossing in future engineering discussions and capital planning.