HomeMy Public PortalAbout5c Staff Report CR72 Culvert Replacement
Town of Fraser
PO Box 370, Fraser, CO 80442 office 970-726-5491 fax 970-726-5518
www.frasercolorado.com
MEMO TO: Mayor Vandernail and the Board of Trustees
FROM: Allen Nordin, Public Works Director, CWP
DATE: September 20, 2017
SUBJECT: GCR72 Culvert Replacement Expenditure Request
MATTER BEFORE BOARD:
Consideration for the expenditure of unbudgeted funds for the replacement of an existing
corrugated metal pipe culvert crossing at Elk Creek on Grand County Road 72 in the town limits
of Fraser.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Authorization for the expenditure of funds for the replacement of the existing culvert.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During preparation for the installation of new water and sewer mains in the CR 72 ROW, it has
become apparent that the culvert at Elk Creek is in need of replacement. While it is currently
functioning, consideration for replacement is timely due to the proposed work and related road
closure. This expenditure was not anticipated in the 2017 Budget, but staff is seeking
consideration and direction.
BACKGROUND:
In the past several weeks, Grand Park notified the Town that they are working to extend the
water and sewer utility infrastructure underneath Elk Creek to serve the Elk Creek at Grand
Park subdivision along Grand County Road 72 which may require the existing corrugated metal
pipe (CMP) culvert to be removed and replaced with a new design and material.
Fraser’s current Design Criteria and Construction Standards no longer allow for CMP. While
much less costly, the lifespan of CMP is shorter The current standards allow the following
construction methods: 1) Leave existing CMP in place and install steel carrier sleeves under the
creek and culvert crossing. 2) Remove and replace the CMP with reinforced concrete pipe; 3)
Remove and replace the CMP with a metal arch culvert system with concrete foundation.
The third construction method, a metal arched culvert system, is a method that staff is reviewing
at the request of the developer for the Elk Creek subdivision. Though more costly than other
options, one benefit to this design is that it provides for the stream bed to maintain a ‘live
bottom’ (sand, gravel & rock) that allows for a more natural stream and fish habitat.
Town of Fraser
PO Box 370, Fraser, CO 80442 office 970-726-5491 fax 970-726-5518
www.frasercolorado.com
The schedule for this work has been suggested to take place over a 7-10 day timeframe
towards the end of September and into October. In collaboration with the developer, advanced
public notice will be communicated through various media channels to minimize impacts to the
traveling public, including but not limited to the Young Life Camp, Denver Water Board and US
Forest Service.
ALTERNATIVES:
Staff has reviewed options for replacement:
1) Installation of steel carrier sleeves underneath the existing culvert as a part of
developer’s project and expense leaving existing culvert in place pending future
replacement.
2) Authorize Town expenditure for replacement of the existing culvert with a reinforced
concrete pipe method at a project cost to the Town of approximately $54,000.
3) Authorize Town expenditure for replacement of the existing culvert with a metal ached
culvert system and concrete footers at a project cost to the Town of approximately
$113,000.
4) Authorize some other Town expenditure with direction to staff to attempt to find a
solution within that expense range.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is currently neutral on these recommendations. However, coordination of a replacement
with the water/sewer work seems worthwhile of consideration.