City's Utility Superintendent updates Board of Public Works members on water main project under railroad

Friday, January 31, 2025 at 1:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Donnie Davidson, the City of Plymouth Utility Superintendent, updated the Board of Public Works and Safety members on the water main project, which will bore under the railroad tracks parallel to Lake Avenue.

During the January 13th meeting, the Board of Public Works postponed any action after the contractor presented recommendations for handling the railroad and boring the water main from DAC Enterprises on Lake Avenue to behind the Habitat Restore on S. Walnut Street. The contractor mentioned a significant cost increase.

Davidson stated that the city obtained an encroachment agreement from CSX Railroad for $7,050. The city then discovered that CSX had leased the second set of tracks to Genesee and Wyoming Railroad, necessitating their right-of-entry authorization to proceed. This was granted at an additional cost of $1,750.

The estimated inspection and flagging fees for boring the 176 feet of railroad property were $34,000, which Davidson noted would be the best option. During Monday’s meeting, he informed the Board of Works members that the subcontractor indicated they could complete the job in five days. He noted that the initial flagging and inspection fees were based on estimates for 10 days, suggesting potential cost savings. Davidson projected the additional expense for the project at $100,000, assuring that there were sufficient funds to cover the extra costs.

On Monday night, the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously voted to support Davidson’s recommendation and commit to the additional funding required.