Breckenridge is looking to make a pivot in its construction plans to connect a sewer line to Stables Village as finalized plans remain up in the air.
The newly proposed plans avoid extended closures on Wellington Road, a major concern with the original plan. After Breckenridge Town Council was presented with three potential avenues for the project — the original plan and two new ones — council members showed support for changing things up.
The proposed changes spawned from a discussion were concerns were raised with the approved plan.
The first option would require a closure of Wellington Road east of Stables Drive for approximately two weeks, but these closures would be phased in to ensure there would always be access to town. It was explained to Town Council that this option was inherently risky because the timing is very critical with such a short construction window.
Town Engineer Shannon Smith added that the first option comes with more risk factors, especially since it would require an open excavation that she deemed to be too risky for a sewer line project.
The second option was said to have fewer unknowns, particularly when it comes to unexpected costs. Yet, staff explained the second option does come with additional cost. Under this plan, $336,000 would have to be added to the infrastructure budget.
This option involves constructing the pipe down Wellington Road and connecting it to Corkscrew Drive. The price increase stems from the length of asphalt replacement that would be required on Wellington Road. Under this plan, there will always be access to town from Wellington Road, but there would be single-lane closures on Wellington Road for construction. Closures are likely to occur in early Spring 2024 for this project.
The second option would push some of the work into next year. Staff members highlighted this as an advantage since it allows them time to try to get more infrastructure grants for the project.
Staff officials told council members that they did find a way to cut the additional cost associated with the second option by $80,000, but it would require an easement from Xcel Energy. This would be a third option.
The 38-acre Stillson property, which is the location of the Stables Village, backs up to an Xcel substation. If the town choses the third option, an easement would be needed from Xcel to cross into their property to connect the sewer.
Council members noted a favor they gave Xcel when they granted a temporary use of town land adjacent to Coyne Valley Road to support several natural gas tanks and equipment. Mayor Eric Mamula recalled how the town scrambled at the last minute to help Xcel with the matter.
“If they don’t want to work with us, they may have to find another place to put their gas tanks,” Town Manager Rick Holman said.
Staff members noted that civil layouts have not been finalized, so they will continue to work towards a determine whether the second or third option works best.