In 2013, the City completed a drainage analysis of the Covington Woods Subdivision, the business park and the surrounding areas including parts of Sugar Mill. The analysis identified several locations within the study area that are subject to significant roadway ponding during medium to extreme rain events. Some of the roadways are impassible during these events, leading to decreased mobility and impaired emergency response. The analysis identified the Sugar Mill Relief Line project which would provide relief to areas identified along 7th Street adjacent to Sugar Land Middle School and Muirwood Lane. This project is a continuation of an overall plan to improve drainage in coordination with previously completed and ongoing construction projects in the Covington Woods area.

Since the project limits for CIP Project DR1801 (Covington Woods Drainage Improvements) and ST1804 (7th Street Replacement) have some overlap and are adjacent to each other, the projects were combined for economy of scale (both design and construction) and to reduce the inconvenience to the residents from multiple mobilizations during construction. Staff also identified a significant repair history for the waterline directly adjacent to 7th Street and included a full replacement into the design due to the breakage history, material type and direct proximity to the construction project. Although not originally planned as a part of this project this was done in order to minimize future damage to new infrastructure and reduce future outages and impacts to residents in the area and was included in the bid as an alternate. 

The project scope of work includes the following items:

BASE BID

1. Construction of a new 60-in storm sewer line along the City-owned park adjacent to Sugar Land Middle School and the replacement of the outfall to Ditch A-22.
2. Full reconstruction of 7th street pavement between the City-owned Park and Bournewood Drive and replacement of Muirwood drive from 7th St. to west side of the cul-de-sac.
3. Replacement of the storm drain pipes along Muirwood Lane and on 7th Street between Muirwood Lane and the City-owned Park
4. Sidewalk replacement (only sidewalks affected by construction)

ALTERNATE 1
Deduction of all bid items (pavement reconstruction) associated with proposed work along the south half of 7th Street and along the western half of Muirwood Lane from 7th Street to west side of the cul-de-sac.

ALTERNATE 2
Reconstruction of sidewalks within 7th Street right of way, that were not impacted by Base Bid work.

ALTERNATE 3
Installation of proposed water line and appurtenances along 7th Street, from Eldridge Road to Wood Street, including any affected pavement and sidewalk reconstruction. This is an addition to the original scope of work due to experiencing the increased number of waterline breaks and the desire to minimize the interruption of the neighborhood.

ALTERNATE 4
Proposed pavement and drainage work along 7th Street between Bournewood Drive and Woodlake Circle.

The project was advertised on May 1 and May 8, 2019. Bids were opened on May 16, 2019. Three (3) bids were received and the bid summary is presented below.

It is recommended by staff to contract for the base bid (scope items listed above) and alternate 3 (waterline) for a total contract amount with WadeCon, LLC for $3,421,804.60. The design consultant, Lockwood, Andrew, and Newnam, Inc. (LAN) has reviewed the bids, checked references, and recommends selecting WadeCon, LLC as the responsible low bidder.  In order to cover construction costs, 5% contingency, and associated materials testing and construction administration, additional funding sources are needed. The following funding sources are recommended to cover all expenses associates with the base bid and alternate 3:

The Notice to Proceed for the project is anticipated to be issued early June 2019. The work is to be completed within 350 calendar days, placing final completion at approximately June 2020.

As projects like these tend to greatly impact residents of Sugar Land, the Engineering staff has worked with Community Engagement with great success in communicating and delivering many projects similar to this one. Through engagement efforts with Fort Bend ISD and the HOA's, direct communication with the residents and continuous updates through the webpage and CIP Story Map, staff focuses on maintaining clear lines of communication with our residents and making sure they are aware of activities in their immediate area and the impacts that they will have on them. The recent success with projects such as the Bournewood Drive, Ivymount, Lexington Blvd and Longview Sugar Creek improvements are examples of this and the efforts by staff to fulfill the obligations under policy CO-110. Staff anticipates several types of service interruptions expected during construction and will utilize several forms of communication listed in the policy to notify residents, schools, and businesses of anticipated interruptions with sufficient notice to prepare for any scheduled activities.

The Engineering and Public Works Departments recommends authorization of a Construction Contract with WadeCon LLC in the amount of $3,421,804.60 for the Covington Woods Drainage Improvements at Sugar Mill Relief Line and 7th Street Reconstruction (CIP DR1801/ST1804) and authorizing a budget amendment of $691,500 from Utility CIP fund balance and a budget amendment of 377,354.12 from CIP ST1806 and CIP ST1903 (pavement rehab) to CIP DR1801/ST1804.