SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - A project to increase the borough's sewer capacity is nearly finished.
The $1,188,800 West End Interceptor project started in September after recommendation from the borough sewer committee.
To alleviate rainwater and surface water from entering the system, the borough installed a larger 24-inch pipe, replacing the previous 12-inch pipe. The 3,900 feet of pipe was installed from the sewer plant on St. Charles Street to the Schuylkill River then to Washington Street across the creek above Stoyer's Dam, near the foot bridge and to Cleveland Street. That pipe then connects into one that serves North Manheim and Wayne townships.
The west end of the borough is also served by the system.
Pact Construction, New Jersey, was awarded the contract in July, with a capital reserve bond account funding the project.
"I believe it will come in slightly under budget," borough Manager Scott Graver said Wednesday after a borough council meeting, although the exact figure wasn't known at the time.
Work was visible earlier this week near the location of the foot bridge at Stoyer's Dam near Washington Street. Borough council President Marlin Berger Jr. said the work started about two weeks ago.
"The only work that will be left to do will be final restoration in the spring. Final restoration will consist of additional blacktopping as well as topsoil/seeding of grassy areas," Graver said.
A long strip of blacktop was visible the entire length of Washington Street and construction material were visible near the footbridge.
"I believe it was right around Thanksgiving that they dug up Washington Street," borough council member and member of the sewer committee Jerry Bowman said Thursday.
By Wednesday evening, a larger area of Washington Street was paved over and the construction materials removed.
Richard Croneberger, water distributor and wastewater collection foreman for the borough, and Bert Pintor, foreman from the Pact Construction, were not available for comment. Donald Cuff, project manager for Entech Engineering, the engineering firm for the project, did not return a call for comment.
Paul Bedway, chairman of the committee, said Wednesday: "I'm glad it's done. We're glad it's finished because it will help the borough."