CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Adopt the resolution approving and authorizing the execution of a reimbursement agreement with Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Matthew Calpin, Project Engineer
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
NA
BACKGROUND:
The North Aurora Road Underpass and the Wisconsin Central/CN Railroad Improvement project (CIP# BR005) is a joint effort between the cities of Naperville and Aurora as well as the Naperville Township. The scope of the project includes constructing a new bridge structure that will accommodate two through traffic lanes in each direction, left turn lanes into adjacent properties, sidewalk and bicycle facilities, streetlighting, and correct existing flooding issues.
Construction of the project is expected to begin in 2022 at an estimated cost of $28 million. The Illinois Commerce Commission will contribute $12 million from the Crossing Safety Improvement Program and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning will contribute another $9.8 million in federal funding from the Shared Fund Program. The balance of the construction costs will be split amongst the three local agencies and the railroad.
Recent field investigations and further detailed design have determined that the proposed roadway profile conflicts with an existing 34-inch diameter Enbridge petroleum gas pipeline. Various options of avoiding the conflict have been reviewed and proposed to Enbridge, with none gaining approval. Relocation of the Enbridge gas pipeline is required.
DISCUSSION:
During the preliminary design stages of the project, a 34-inch diameter Enbridge petroleum gas pipeline was identified and accounted for in the proposed roadway profile. At that time, it was determined that a roadway profile could be constructed such that proper clearance between the proposed roadway and the existing gas pipeline could be achieved. Recent potholing outside of the public right-of-way was completed to gain additional vertical pipe locations.
With this potholing, it was discovered that the pipeline has a slight vertical bend as it nears an existing valve which reduces the amount of ground cover over the pipeline. Due to the unanticipated vertical change in the pipeline, the proposed roadway profile no longer provided adequate clearance between the roadway and the pipeline. Various options were considered to avoid relocating the pipeline, such as adjusting the roadway profile and cross-slope and incorporating a pipeline protection slab, but none of the options gained approval from Enbridge. As a result, the gas pipeline will need to be relocated to accommodate the new roadway profile.
The Enbridge pipeline is located within an easement on ComEd’s property beyond the public right-of-way. Therefore, Enbridge, for the safety of the pipeline, will examine two options for relocation by performing a Class 4 Estimate. The estimated cost to perform the work associated with the Class 4 Estimate is $340,000. Enbridge requires the City to enter into a reimbursement agreement for the costs associated with performing the Class 4 Estimate.
Staff supports entering into a reimbursement agreement with Enbridge to initiate the pipeline relocation process. Relocating the gas pipeline will allow for a proper roadway profile and cross-slope which provides better overall drainage and driver ride-ability. The pipeline relocation will also allow for the removal of an existing/redundant gas pipeline valve which, if allowed to remain, would stand approximately 10-feet north of the proposed roadway edge, requiring a barrier wall for driver protection.
Recently, the City submitted a request for an additional $2.8 million from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Shared Fund Program. This request, which is currently under review, may offset the unforeseen pipeline relocation costs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreement obligates the City to reimburse Enbridge Energy up to $340,000. Funding is available as part of CIP # BR005 - North Aurora Road Underpass