Retaining wall project in Oakmont approved

Oakmont officials approved a restoration project for a retaining wall along Allegheny River Boulevard near the viaduct in Verona and Oakmont.

Council awarded the estimated $121,000 job to Apollo-based Santamaria Landscaping via a 6-0 vote Monday night. Council Vice President Patricia Friday was absent.

Borough Manager Scott Fodi said the company was the lowest of five bidders. Crews will break away loose concrete, reform it and paint the wall.

The project is expected to begin within the next few weeks, and there will be some changing traffic patterns in the area.

The work will be paid for through a $138,000 state Department of Community and Economic Development grant even though the wall, which is on the southern entrance of the borough across from Rite Aid, is owned by Allegheny Valley Railroad. The remaining $17,000 may be used for landscaping.

“It’s the entrance of Oakmont,” Councilwoman Carrie DelRosso said about the project. “The wall’s structurally sound. It’s just the aesthetics of it. If we had to put in a whole new wall it would have cost a lot more money.”

DelRosso said the company declined to spend money on the beautification project, but may work with the borough to ensure proper safety and permitting for the project.

The project was put out for bid earlier this year, but all bids came in over budget.