Camden Avenue drainage project getting underway

Aug 30, 2023

PARKERSBURG — Work is expected to begin today on a project to improve drainage along Camden Avenue.

RDR Utility Services Group LLC of Clarksburg was awarded a $235,000, 30-day contract to address flooding issues on Camden Avenue, according to a release from Parkersburg City Engineer Adam Stout. The problem stems from the improper installation of a replacement storm sewer line, near Sonic and traveling down Gladstone Street behind GoMart, by a private contractor around 2001, he said

“It floods anytime there’s substantial rain, and it’s probably three feet deep,” Stout said. “It’s enough to stall out cars.”

Another issue is that at some point, a contractor on a non-city project apparently dumped concrete in a manhole, creating an obstruction in the line, which is about 20 feet below the street.

Gladstone Street will be closed from Burger King to Camden Avenue while the work is being done, he said. Motorists are asked to use caution around the construction area and pay attention to traffic pattern changes.

The storm line serves a large portion of drainage from state rights of way at Division Street and Camden Avenue, city officials noted. Earlier this year, Mayor Tom Joyce indicated he would seek state assistance in funding the project, but that did not materialize.

The city will see a lower-than-expected cost, however. City Council approved the administration’s request of $375,000 for the project, but the bid came in at $235,000, Stout said.

RDR will install approximately 183 feet of corrugated plastic pipe to improve the drainage system, abandon and fill in the existing pipe and replace and repair curbs, driveways and roadways after the installation, the release said.

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