The Aurora City Council Tuesday night approved a $2.2 million water main project for East New York Street.
Aldermen approved the project quickly – it went straight from the Infrastructure and Technology Committee to the City Council, bypassing the Committee of the Whole – so the contractor could get a two-week jump on ordering materials.
John Hoffmann, of the city’s engineering division, said that was so Swallow Construction Corporation, of West Chicago, would be able to complete the project in May. Swallow’s about $2.2 million bid was the lowest among eight bids the city received for the project.
The city is trying to get the water main replaced because there are two resurfacing projects along New York Street going on, and the city wanted the water main replacement done before the resurfacing. That saves the city from having to tear up new roadway and replace it again.
“We’re trying to be proactive and get the water main done prior to the resurfacing,” Hoffmann said.
The water main is being replaced from roughly Ohio Street to Edgewood Drive, in both the 2nd and 7th wards. The city is replacing a 6-inch water main with the preferred 8-inch pipe, Hoffmann said. Historically, there have been a lot of water main breaks along this stretch, he said.
Committee members unanimously recommended the contract, and also agreed to send it directly to the full council. The City Council approved the contract Tuesday night.
slord@tribpub.com
