A pipeline replacement project in Renton that is set to start next month will likely cause interruptions in water service for nearby residents.

The city awarded the construction contract to the lowest bidder, Raudenbush Earthworks, for the amount of $2,071,559.32 for the NE 12th Street AC Water Main and Stormwater Replacement project. The bid is $393,006.58 under the engineer’s estimate for the project.

The project will replace the old asbestos concrete water main on NE 12th Street, Pierce Place Avenue, NE 14th Street and Queen Avenue, installed back in 1952, with new 12-inch and 8-inch water mains, according to Jonathan Chavez, Renton civil engineer.

“So over 70 years old, it’s past its useful life,” Chavez said. “This project is going to replace about 3,300 feet of it.”

Chavez said the project will install 40 new water meters to customers. Crews will also be installing more fire hydrants and gate valves in the section, which will allow them to isolate the water mains and minimize water shutoffs when there is a repair or break.

“Back in the old days, they really skimped out on the valve placement, which makes it a lot more challenging to repair pipes and not put multiple people out of water,” Chavez said.

The project also includes replacing about 400 feet of storm drains and 15 catch basins along NE 12th Street. He said the project will conclude with paving of half of NE 12th Street and other streets involved.

The repairs were first identified in the city’s water system plan update from 2021, and this segment ties into a second project where crews will be replacing all the pipes from the reservoir on NE 12th Street west to Edmonds Avenue.

Chavez said he expects the city to sign an agreement with Raudenbush Earthworks this week and for work to begin June 2. The work will begin with potholing and staging their equipment and materials while trenching will start in the second week of June.

Chavez said the contractor will have 80 working days to complete the project, but the city hopes they will be finished well before the deadline on Dec. 31.

Residents can expect interruptions to water services because construction crews will have to cut the existing pipe out to connect the new pipe. However, Chavez said he expects those interruptions to only last a couple hours, if the process goes smoothly, and added that customers may notice an improvement in their water quality with the new pipes.

“There will be some impact to residents when we get close to those connection points. We’ll make sure to give all residents proper notice, at least 24 hours in advance, or any interruptions of service, but our crews are very efficient,” he said.