Work could begin soon on a water line improvement project along U.S. Route 50 that will run into six figures, city officials confirmed Wednesday. During the monthly meeting of the Bridgeport Utility Board, City Engineer Tom Brown was told to move forward with the Route 50 upgrade near Corpening Drive.

 

The ability to move forward came after the BUB approved the low bid of Cove Run Contracting to do the project. The company, out of Moatsville, had a low bid of $172,905. Brown was also given a 10 percent contingency budget of $17,905. Although the contingency total brings it in over the engineer’s estimate, the regular bid is under the estimate prepared by the Thrasher Group. They estimated the project to come in at $181,000.

 

“This area has been a pain in the neck,” Brown said. “We’ve dealt with two to three leaks there within the last few months and it’s been an ongoing problem for a while.”

 

The project will eliminate one of the last sections of an old brand of water line along the busiest roadway through the city – as well as potentially create some traffic delays. The roadway in question is on the eastbound side of Route 50 near the offices of John DePolo and across from the Tom Davis Garden Center and Wilson Martino Dental.

 

“We’ll be replacing a two-inch galvanized water line. It’s old and problematic,” said Brown.

 

Along with the line, there will be a new fire hydrant installed. Brown said it will be located on the west bound side of U.S. Route 50.

 

In order to make the fix, Cove Run will have to go underneath U.S. Route 50. Brown said that the project could cause traffic delays, but they would be minimal at best.

 

According to Brown, the delays could come in the event part of the shoulder area of U.S. Route 50 is dug up. He has said that the delays would be “very minor” if at all. The goal, he has said, is to make as little impact as possible on those traveling and businesses in that area.

 

Plans were finalized in August for the project and the bids opened Oct. 21 and reviewed by Thrasher’s Steven Buchanan. With Cove Run being the lowest and meeting the bid specifications, they were given the job.

 

Brown said it’s the first project that Cove Run has done with the city. However, he said he has worked with them in the past wearing a different hat than that of the city engineer.

 

“I’m very familiar with their work … We also have included in the agreement that if they’re not performing up to task then we have the right to shut them down,” he said.

 

Two other bids were also within range of the engineer’s estimate. Bear Contracting, LLS had a bid of $189,576, while J.F. Allen Company had a bid of $201,270.