LDR Trail Delay Heading Into Its 6th Month

 

In May 2022, the Township Engineer informed the Board of Supervisors that the LDRT project encountered some “unexpected utility conflicts” during construction, which impact the underground infiltration trenches designed as part of this project. This is predominately in the area between Stanford Place and Everett Drive. Lumen – the company that owns the utility cable in question – was scheduled to relocate their conduit last year, which became January, then April, and now possibly the beginning of October!

On July 11, 2022, RVE, the Newtown Township Engineering firm, hosted a meeting with Lumen to discuss scheduling of the relocation of their cable. Lumen said it may take 2-3 weeks to find a contractor and the work can be done within 1-2 weeks once begun. Listen to the 12-minute discussion: 

According to the August 5, 2022, Engineer’s Report, “Lumens indicated on 8/2/2022 that their relocation project has been awarded to a contractor and will provide the Township a schedule for material procurement and construction.”

As of August 25, 2022, Lumen(s) had not yet provided a timeline. I decided to contact the township engineer to get an update. The following is the exchange of resulting email:

August 25, 2022 

From John Mack to Leanna Colubriale (Township Engineer) and Micah Lewis (Township Manager):

“According to the August 5, 2022, Engineer’s Report, “Lumens indicated on 8/2/2022 that their relocation project has been awarded to a contractor and will provide the Township a schedule for material procurement and construction. At the July 11, 2022, conference call with Lumens, they said that ‘as soon as we have our contractor on board we can set up a timeline and give you guys what you’re looking for’. It's now more than 3 weeks after they have a contractor for the work, Have they given us a timeline? That's what I am looking for!”

August 26, 2022 

From Leanna Colubriale:

“We received an update from Lumens indicating they anticipate an early October start date and that they are still waiting on materials... I will continue to request updated schedules on their end and inform everyone of any updates or adjustments. I will also inform our contractor of this so they can plan accordingly.”

Lumen now says that “things are progressing the project has been awarded to the construction vendor and is pending materials procurement. Once complete we will provide an ETA.” That means work on the trail won’t restart until November after Lumen completes its work!

 ...and the delay continues.

Posted on 29 Aug 2022, 01:42 - Category: Misc