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Crews work on the Harvard Boulevard Sewer Trunk Replacement Project that will replace the 10-inch concrete pipeline from 10th to 7th streets. Traffic has been reduced to one lane going east and west and drivers are asked to avoid the construction zone when possible.
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Sewer pipeline replacement project on East Harvard Boulevard
January 29, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The Harvard Boulevard Sewer Trunk Replacement Project has taken to the streets tearing up portions of the roadway and causing commuters to either get struck in traffic or fine an alternate route, at least for the time being.
The $766,877 project, which was launched last week, is removing and replacing the sanitary sewer trunk pipeline on East Harvard Boulevard from 7th Street to 10th Street/Highway 150.
As the work is leading to lane closures, detours and slower traffic, “We’re really encouraging people to avoid Harvard Boulevard and find an alternative route,” said Interim Public Works Director Brian Yanez.
The job is scheduled to last 60 days although he expects the work will be completed “much sooner…”
The project has been in the works since August when the City Council approved the plans and specifics for the work, which will replace the aging 10-inch concrete pipeline that is not only in poor condition but also lacks the necessary capacity.
The pipeline will be replaced with current city standard polyvinyl chloride (PVC); manholes and laterals will also be replaced as part of the project.
Yanez said, “Sections of Harvard Boulevard have been reduced to one lane going east and west between 10th Street/SR 150 and 7th Street …motorists should expect time delays and increased traffic on surrounding streets.”
He recommended that drivers “Avoid the construction if possible…we know it’s an inconvenience but the work is not only necessary but overdue,” considering the deteriorating condition of the pipeline.
Yanez said the construction is anticipated to cause temporary inconvenience to street parking; emergency vehicles will be allowed access at all times.
“Access to properties,” he noted, “will be maintained throughout construction,” and refuse and recycling collection service will not be interrupted.
Toro Enterprises is handling the job for $639,644. Stantec was selected to be the contract manager adding $127,223 to the cost.
The lowest construction bid would have saved the city more than $100,000 for the work, but the contractor was eliminated due to several factors including not supplying references to show they had successfully handled similar projects.
