More work slated for spring

Published 3:36 pm Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The pipe is done, but the street needs work.

The new water main is finished and functioning under Spring Street between Second and First streets, Friday Harbor Public Works Director Wayne Haefele reported recently.

The Town replaced the old water main this fall after the line broke on Labor Day weekend, sending torrents of water down the street to strained catch-basins.

Contractor Richard Lawson Construction commenced repaving Spring Street within a few days, but a malfunctioning slat conveyor used to make asphalt rendered the top coat “unacceptable,” according to Haefele. So the contractor agreed to grind off the top layer of asphalt and repave next year when ground temperatures have risen.

Town officials were happy with the repairs to the water line itself and intend to replace the remaining two sections of 60-year-old ductile iron pipe in 2013. The last of the old pipe, on Spring from Argyle to Second and from First to Front, will be replaced in spring, perhaps in conjunction with the repaving, before the tourist influx begins in May.

— Steve Wehrly