A simple sewer line replacement project on East Eighth Avenue between College Drive and Eighth Street is being expanded to include water line replacement, new pavement, curbs and gutters, and sidewalks.
Durango City Council voted to approve a budget amendment of $94,875 from the city’s water fund to pay for the design of new water lines for the project, called the 8th and 8th Reconstruction Project.
Public Works spokeswoman Laura Rieck said at a Financial Advisory Board meeting earlier this month the project originally targeted a 4-inch sewer line in need of a full replacement because it is undersized and backs up frequently. But after examining other issues such as aging water lines in need of maintenance, the project was expanded.
“The sewer portion of the project was previously funded for 2025 and is currently on pause due to design and inspection of the road, curb and gutter and sidewalk, revealing that the rest of the existing infrastructure needs to be replaced as well,” said Mary Cathryn Lord, city budget analyst.
Additional designs are expected to be completed next year, with construction scheduled for 2027.
Sidewalking already exists on one side of the street but not the other, Rieck said.
The College and 8th Safety project, which aims to create a “road diet” for College Drive and improve safety at the intersection of College Drive and East Eighth Avenue, was another reason to delay construction, she said.
That project will reduce the number of lanes on College Drive from four lanes to three, including a left-turn lane; add a span wire signal at the College Drive and East Eighth Avenue intersection; create bus stop pullouts and pedestrian shelters at bus stops; improve sidewalks; and add pedestrian islands at the Third Street and East Eighth Avenue intersection.
cburney@durangoherald.com
