FAIRHOPE – Estimates for drainage and utility improvement along Church Street topped initial projections by $1.6 million, but Fairhope officials said the project could save money in the long run.
The initial estimate for utility and drainage work on Church Street was $3.6 million. The most recent projection for the total cost of the project is $5.2 million, Richard Peterson, Fairhope director of sewage system operations, said at the Feb. 26 City Council work session.
The project is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Peterson said construction costs have increased since the estimates were first prepared, but the additional costs also include more work for utility improvements on the route.
“When we looking at all the different pieces of the infrastructure we needed to address, it grew to the point that we’re spending a lot more money than what I would have originally guessed or budgeted and I think the plans are well prepared and I think the prices we got were reasonable for what is expected by today’s standards,” Peterson said. “I hate that the money was over what we expected it would be, but it seems like that’s a trend that we’re going to have to start getting used to because every time we bid something it seems like it’s higher, from the library renovation to Bayou Drive to this one.”
The project calls for work along Church Street from Fels Avenue to the city sewage treatment plant. In addition to stormwater drainage, officials also found that gas lines also needed replacements, Peterson said.
Richard Johnson, public works director, said metal pipes have eroded due to age and are too small to meet current demands.
“The issue was that to dig and to place these new utilities, we were going to be digging right adjacent to existing drainage and the chance of being able to maintain that drainage or to do partial repairs, the engineers came back and said there’s just no fixing this,” Johnson said. “It’s got to be upsized. It’s got to be replaced. The materials are no longer serviceable.”
He said the project would also address flooding problems near the intersection of Church and Magnolia Avenue the need for drainage improvements on the new arts alley planned near Fairhope Avenue.
Council President Jack Burrell said doing both jobs at the same time would save money over time.
“In the long term, if you had to go back and redo three or four projects, you’re probably looking at saving a couple of million dollars, at least that much,” Burrell said.
City Councilman Robert Brown said officials need to discuss the project at a special meeting before deciding how to deal with the additional costs.
“I think we might need a special work session called just to address this,” Brown said. “That’s a lot, $1.6 million in the General Fund. We’ve got to get that money somewhere. I don’t feel comfortable saying yes just move ahead and not address it.”
