FPUD approves final change order for Winter Haven Road pipeline replacement

Unforeseen conditions caused a change order to the Fallbrook Public Utility District contract to replace the pipeline along Winter Haven Road, but it was the only change order needed in the contract to replace approximately 2,570 feet of pipeline.

The Sept. 28 FPUD board meeting included a 5-0 vote to approve the change order and also to approve the notice of completion for the project. The $52,445.38 change order brought the total contract amount to $802,845.36.

Kirtley Construction, which does business as TK Construction, was awarded a $750,400 contract at FPUD’s Dec. 9 board meeting. FPUD has a pipeline and valve replacement program which includes a priority list based on pipelines’ ages and rates of past failures. Not only did the age, condition, and leak history of the Winter Haven Road pipeline justify its replacement, but its location in a wooded area made access difficult, so the new pipeline will reduce maintenance needs.

The Winter Haven Road pipeline replacement project consisted of approximately 1,950 feet of 12-inch cement mortar lined and coated steel pipe and associated appurtenances along with 620 feet of 6-inch polyvinyl chloride pipe.

TK Construction, which is based in San Bernardino, completed the pipeline replacement in August, but additional costs were incurred during the installation due to field changes and unforeseen conditions. An alignment change was required to avoid existing obstructions, a 16-inch tie was encased in concrete and required additional labor time, and three drains were added to the new water main.

The internal staff costs for the pipeline replacement project were $46,121.32 so the total cost for the project was $848,966.68. FPUD’s capital budget allocated $860,000 including construction management and other administration costs for the work.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at [email protected].