Derry Township to tackle bridge repairs, stormwater
The supervisors in Derry Township are adding repairs to bridges on three roads and improvement of storm drainage on a section of Keeling Avenue to their to-do list.
New Alexandria contractor Curry & Kepple submitted the apparent low price of $66,120 for repairs to bridges on Pittsburgh Street, Seger Road and Gray Station Road when bids were opened at Tuesday’s meeting of the three-member board of supervisors.
Township Solicitor Samuel Dalfonso will review the three bids before the supervisors choose a contractor. The other bids were: $94,100, from J.F. Shea of Mt. Pleasant; and $165,723 from Kukurin Contracting of Export.
Supervisors Chairman Jim Prohaska said the bridges, which all cross McGee Run, were identified as needing attention during routine annual inspections by township engineer Gibson-Thomas.
They will have cracks repaired and will get new bridge barriers through retrofitting.
“It’s nothing major, just some preventive maintenance for the future,” Prohaska said.
The supervisors approved easement and access agreements with homeowners on Keeling and on adjoining Traction Avenue, to clear the way for township crews to address stormwater problems.
Don Kepple, supervisors vice chairman, said the township will add catch basins and pipes that will tie in with a stormwater management system. He said the supervisors want to help alleviate flooding of yards, garages and basements at about four homes.
“It’s to take care of some water issues a few homeowners have been fighting for quite a while,” he said. “We’re going to try to do some water guidance, to keep it away from the homes.”
The work will be completed in advance of repaving the street, Kepple said.
The supervisors approved three equipment purchases, drawing upon funding the township received through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
The township will pay: $75,611 to Stephenson Equipment for a new 2024 Mack Truck bed; $11,920 to NAPA Auto Parts for a two-post vehicle lift; and $5,705 to Vita-Charge for a new computer server.
Of the more than $1.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds the township received, it has about $185,000 remaining to spend, Kepple said.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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