University of Alaska seeks bids to reline UAS Juneau campus water main

The University of Alaska is seeking bids to rehabilitate nearly half a mile of drinking water main at the University of Alaska Southeast's Juneau campus. Bids are due Nov. 25.

Crews would slide new plastic pipe, known as HDPE, inside about 2,560 feet of existing ductile iron mains, a method called slip lining, according to the university's bid notice. The job also includes digging and restoring access pits, replacing and reconnecting fittings, setting up temporary water service, and testing and disinfecting the pipe.

The university estimates the winning contractor could get the go-ahead Dec. 18, with substantial completion by June 19, 2027, according to its bid listing.

The notice doesn't say which mains would be relined. The university's 2012 campus master plan describes how water reaches the campus near Auke Lake. A 16-inch City and Borough of Juneau main feeds a pump house on Mendenhall Loop Road, and three branches run from there to the main campus, the recreation center and student housing. The pump house has a fire pump and emergency generator. Student housing and the recreation center get water for domestic use and fire protection from it, the plan says.

The notice says funding is available but doesn't give a cost estimate or say where the money comes from. State law requires the contract to go to the lowest responsive and responsible "Alaska Bidder" after preferences for Alaska businesses and products are applied.