TO: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
FROM: Kurt Muth, P.E. Assistant Director of Public Works
DATE: May 11, 2026
SUBJECT:title
Provide an informational only update summarizing the completion of the 36" Southeast Transmission Water Main Repair project, located in Ward 1, by Vortex Infrastructure Services, Inc. and Miller Pipeline.
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PURPOSE:
In December, a leak was found on the 36" transmission water main south of the railroad tracks West of the N Ohio Street bridge near the northeast corner of Solfisburg Park. This large diameter water main pushes a significant volume of water east to serve the eastern outskirts of the distribution system. With the active loss of water, potential for the leak to worsen and the role of the pipe in the water distribution system, it was critical to bypass the traditional bidding progress and expedite the repair.
BACKGROUND:
Miller Pipeline was hired via the council approved emergency water & sewer repair contract to dig the lining pits and assist with any site prep needs. This also included staging access on the Solfisburg baseball field with steel plates so the outfield surface was not disturbed, tree clearing and grading on the north side of the creek, sub contracting the chlorination services and obtaining several difficult to obtain individual material pieces. The council approved water & sewer material bid utilized local contractors to obtain the majority of the non-lining materials needed to put the main back into service at the two lining pits. Lastly, council approved the emergency lining contract with Vortex Co.
DISCUSSION:
The repair of this pipe presented challenges at every stage due to the access, topography, creek and train tracks located at the site. There was some unfamiliarity with the pipe material used during initial installation as it is not regularly used on the smaller diameter water main replaced the last couple of decades. These challenges and highlights of the project will be discussed...
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