April 19 — New pressure for Ryan Avenue water

Sumner City Council approved the replacement of the old water main on Ryan Avenue, new fire hydrants

Andrew Hosford / of The Herald

New retail development and the need for increased fire services in the area convinced city council to approve a new water main for Ryan Avenue East in Sumner.

On Monday, April 16, city council unanimously passed the replacement of the existing 3-inch pipe with larger and more efficient 8-inch pipe between Park and Main Street.

A new development on Maple Street and the redevelopment of the Red Apple site require higher water flows for the commercial fire systems.

In addition to the water main, three new fire hydrants will be installed to aid fire services in the area.

“Larger mains allow for greater flow,” said Dan Packer, East Pierce Fire and Rescue fire chief. “Also, (the new hydrants allow) for better placement of emergency vehicles.”

Overall, he said Sumner’s water mains are adequate for the needs of the fire department.

“Its pretty good (in Sumner). Ryan is one of the last areas that needs improvement,” he said.

The contract for the construction project was awarded to S & W Utility Contractors, Inc. of Lakewood for the installation of approximately 1,380 linear feet of pipe.

With a winning bid of $268,872.79, the company has 10 days to develop a plan and schedule for the repairs, said City Engineer Mike Dahlem.

After the initial plan is approved the construction should start in about a month, Dahlem said.

The main is located on the west side of the street with one block at a time affected by traffic control and construction.

“We will be able to keep roads open for the most part,” Dahlem said.

All work will be done between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., with nothing at night.

Water lines to homes will need to be shut down but not for an extended amount of time, he added.

A small ditch will be opened during the digging and replacement but the majority of the road surface will not be affected he said. There are no plans to replace any other mains in the area.