Sewickley sewer projects to go out for bid in the fall

Two major Sewickley sewer repair projects designed to extend the life of the borough’s aging pipes and help prevent breaks have formally moved to the engineering phase.

Council unanimously voted July 9 to authorize Gateway Engineers to prepare contact bids for the repairs.

The first project involves lining about 1,900 liner feet of pipe, with at least 10 liners, ranging from eight to 12 inches in diameter.

Borough engineer Mike Galet said liners of the sanitary pipes have exhibited normal cracking and degrading over time.

“(The work is necessary) to reinforce the structural integrity of the pipes and provide a long-term repair solution to prevent further degradation,” Galet said.

Sewickley’s sewer lines are estimated to be between 50 and 100 years old depending on location.

Estimated cost of lining repairs is $145,000. It’s part of this year’s budget.

The second project involves excavation repairs to about six sites for pipes ranging from 8 to 10 inches in diameter, along with the installation of five manholes.

Estimated cost is about $200,000 and is also budgeted for this year.

Galet said excavation is necessary at several locations that couldn’t be repaired via liners. The manholes are expected to improve maintenance accessibility.

Bids for both projects are expected to go out in the fall and construction to start in the winter.

The goal is to hopefully have everything done by early spring.

Galet said the borough didn‘t do any sewer repairs last year. It instead opted to inspect its system via camera.

The aforementioned projects were the result of problematic sites identified by the system check.

”It’s not the really fun stuff that we do, but it’s so important to our residents,” council President Cynthia Mullins said about the sewer repairs.

In other business

• Borough Manager Donna Kaib announced administration continues to work with Duquesne Light to get EV stations.

The borough seeks to install three charging stations at a parking lot along Division Street. Total project cost is estimated at about $72,000.

Sewickley hopes to offset expenses through grants. More information about the project may be available later this year.

• Council approved a request to close the 600 block of Maple Lane at Pine and Chestnut streets from 3-8 p.m. Sept. 8 for a block party.

• Fundraising has begun for the borough’s annual Light Up Night.

The event is scheduled for 5-9 p.m. Dec. 6.

• It’s a holiday tradition that dates back at least 40 years. Thousands flock to the borough for food, music, entertainment, shopping and fun.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

People can make tax-deductible monetary donations up to and including celebration night.

Donation options include Venmo and PayPal. Links to both are available on the borough website, sewickleyborough.org.