Committee approves plan to replace 12,000 feet of waterline in Monterra Northway area

The Topeka City Public Infrastructure Committee on June 17 approved moving forward with construction procurement for the Monterra Northway waterline replacement, a project to replace about 12,000 linear feet of water main ranging from 4 to 12 inches in diameter.

Utilities staff said the line has “had a lot of problems over the years” and that the project has a “high consequence of failure,” prompting replacement. Design is complete and the project was out for bid with a July 8 closing date, staff said.

Committee members asked about timing. Utilities staff said construction could begin at the end of this year but may not start until early 2026 depending on lead times for materials such as valves and brass components; some long‑lead items will determine the contractor’s schedule.

Councilwoman Michelle Hoefer moved approval to proceed to construction procurement; Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz seconded. The committee approved the action 2‑0.

Staff described the project as likely to take a couple of years of construction once started. No contract award, total project cost, or exact construction schedule was announced at the committee meeting.