‘E’ Street waterline contract approved

A professional services agreement for additional general engineering services associated with the “E” Street waterline replacement project has been approved by the Washougal City Council.

The unanimous vote last night was for a $20,124 agreement with Wallis Engineering, of Vancouver. The PSA includes engineering design and report preparation regarding the addition of a full waterline replacement within the entire “E” Street improvement projects corridor.

Assistant Public Works Director Jim Dunn has said the most significant portion of waterline in “E” Street is at least 58 years old.

The cost of the project – if the city receives a 40-year USDA loan – would be $3.58 million. If the city were able to pay that loan in 20 years, the cost would be $2.73 million. A councilmanic bond, involving funding from investors, would cost $3.02 million.

The “E” Street corridor project will include conversion of the road width to two through-lanes and a center left turn lane, as well as bike lanes and sidewalks from Sixth to 32nd streets. The project is scheduled to start in the late fall.

In other action last night, City Council authorized Mayor Sean Guard to sign a PSA with Michael Elia for the engineering and design of a pedestrian bridge across Campen Creek in Dr. Eldridge Park.

Elia, of Portland, is a consulting engineer who will design a 22-foot span bridge.

A separate project would involve the replacement of a crossing built over a tributary creek. A sign located next to that bridge warns individuals to exercise caution or avoid using it. It was constructed after the Campen Creek Villa subdivision was built in 1979.

Eldridge Park is located at 2211 49th St. The city has owned the property since 1999. Located next to Campen Creek Park, it is designed for low impact use, with no buildings, play structures or sports fields.