The City of Delta is undertaking work on a Tsawwassen roadway to address slope stability concerns.
Council at a special meeting last week agreed with an engineering department recommendation to award a $211,659 construction contract for roadway improvements, which includes paving, on a stretch of Graham Drive
Earlier this year, the city issued a request for bids a watermain replacement as well as roadway improvements for the stretch between 102 and 156 of Graham Drive.
A report to council notes there was only one bid received at a price of $620,000, an amount significantly over a consultant’s estimated value for the work.
It was also over the city’s allotted budget for 2021.
The report notes that because Graham Drive is located along the top of the English Bluff escarpment, all works are time sensitive and should be completed within the steep slope construction window ending on Sept. 30.
Due to the time constraint and the limited interest through the bid process, a Delta engineering construction crew has to install the watermain at a cost of approximately $190,000.
Five firms did make a bid on the roadwork.
Council late last year agreed to explore additional measures to reduce the risk of landslides for homes along English Bluff Road, including undertaking a mitigation strategy of upslope private properties between the U.S. Border and Fred Gingell Park.
An inspection was to focus on confirmation of utility service connections, roof leaders and swimming pools being connected to the city’s stormwater and sanitary utility system.
Further analysis was also to take place on a new cutoff curtain drain system to provide an objective measurement of its effectiveness in mitigating soil instability.
The test section would incorporate into the watermain replacement work along Graham Drive.
Over the years landslides have occurred along the area, which has prompted ongoing concerns from residents, a report last year noted, adding that slope regression will continue to occur due to natural weathering processes and the steepness of the slopes.
