Sewickley officials plan to spend about $550,000 to repair four streets this year.
Council unanimously voted April 14 to award this year’s paving program to Wampum-based Youngblood Paving.
They were the lowest of six bidders and finished last year’s paving program this month, according to borough engineer Mike Galet.
The borough started late with its 2025 paving plan and did not award the project until last August, which led to some work being held over until this summer.
Galet said it was important to start earlier this time in hopes of getting competitive bids.
Streets to be repaired include the lower portion of Crescent Avenue; Thorn Street, from Peebles Street to Boundary Street; Ferry Street, from Little to Elwick streets, and all of Fred Way.
Drainage improvements are planned for Ferry Street and Fred Way as part of the project.
The borough budgeted $600,000 for road repairs this year.
Concrete work such as creating the Americans with Disabilities Act compliant crosswalks at those streets is expected to start in May or June. Paving should start in July and be done by August.
Gateway Engineers and borough public works crews evaluate roads every year.
Councilman Todd Hamer said he trusts those evaluations.
“We’re very lucky in that our streets are in pretty good shape,” Hamer said. “These are the worst streets for this year.”
He said the borough has done a lot of stabilization and other improvements to Crescent Avenue in recent years, and expects the new work to be the most expensive of the bunch due to its hill.
Galet said recent rising fuel costs did not appear to have an impact on bidding.
“With how early we bid this year, I think we were able to benefit from the high competition of contractors needing work (and) going after prices more aggressively,” Galet said. “Trying to fill their schedule for the year. … I can’t say that there was an immediate response, but I would imagine if we were to bid this project in a couple months I’m sure the numbers would be much higher.”
Hamer thanked Borough Manager Donna Kaib and the engineer for being able to keep projects under budget.
“A lot of that comes down to the work of Donna and Mike,” Hamer said. “Gateway does a great job at helping steer us with what roads are most in need of paving and keeping things safe for residents.”
Other infrastructure upgrades
Council also awarded a contract of nearly $200,000 to State Pipe Services.
Galet said they were the lowest of three bidders. They will be replacing 340 feet of a 12-inch deteriorating concrete line along Maple Lane.
The borough received a $150,000 state Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant to help cover the cost.
The remainder, estimated at $50,000, will come from borough coffers.
Repairs are projected to begin in the summer and completed by fall.
