Lower Burrell lands $130,000 grant for Craigdell Road project, awards contract

Lower Burrell has secured a $130,000 state grant to fix stormwater drainage problems along Craigdell Road in the Kay Street area, with contract bids coming in lower than anticipated.

Aging pipes in the Craigdell Road area need to be repaired before they worsen, said Matt Pitsch of Senate Engineering, the city’s engineer.

The state Department of Community and Economic Development recently awarded the $130,000 grant, which will go along with $37,666 that Lower Burrell is required to pitch in, Mayor John Andrejcik said.

City council last week awarded the Craigdell Road project to Jet Jack Inc. for $83,430.

The city will work with DCED to amend its grant request to allow it to use the balance of the grant for additional work in the city, Pitsch said.

More than half of the state grant will be used for the Craigdell Road area, which is a major collection point for stormwater, Pitsch said. The project will replace about 275 feet of pipe alongside and under the road, he said.

The project is scheduled to begin in mid-November and last for about 45 days, Andrejcik said.

“Obviously, there could be delays to that start date due to the availability of the pipe and the volatility of the market at this time for the procurement of that pipe,” he said.

Craigdell Road will not close, Andrejcik said. However, there will be temporary lane restrictions.

The project also will temporarily impact the land along the road in front of five homes, according to Pitsch.

Andrejcik was happy the city landed the grant money.

“We are constantly looking to upgrade antiquated and old stormwater and sanitary systems,” he said. “Some repairs are long overdue.”