Since mid-May, Fifth Street just north of Oklahoma Boulevard has been barricaded. Alva City Business Manager Joe Don Dunham said there was a water line break at that corner on May 11. As a result of the break and ongoing issues, the base under the road has been washed away, causing the asphalt to fail.

Dunham said it wasn't quite a sinkhole, but it will require reconstructing the street for that block. However, it could be more as they won't know the extent of the damage until the repair work is started.

He said for that one block the cost is estimated to be a minimum of $30,000 for material, then there's equipment and labor. The block will be a concrete construction project.

However, city staff members are concerned the problem could extend all the way to Barnes Avenue. He said it's likely the base problem extends to Locust Street, which would be a two-block area, but "it will not be surprising if the issue extends all the way to Barnes."

It will be a while before the city can get to this project. Currently the street department is working on resurfacing Church Street from Meno to Third. They are also involved in a big project on Barnes Avenue downtown. That project suffered from delays caused by rain (12.75 inches since May 1) and changes to the concrete phase, which has been re-specified twice. He also said asphalt has been challenging to get.

Dunham said it's anticipated there will be more base issues in the 400 block of Barnes. He said it's critical for that block be completed in conjunction with the work in the 500 block or the businesses and residences will be subject to flooding during rain events of more than two inches.

With all these projects in the works, Dunham said they don't anticipate starting on the Fifth Street problem until Sept. 1. But he said that date may be changed by the city's ability to get concrete and asphalt. Weather is also a factor.

Young Street Tank Project

On July 10 the city met with Wynn Construction and DEQ to discuss the construction progress at the Young Street Water Tank Farm. "That project is moving along nicely," he said.

Since the last meeting, the items completed include tank wire winding, pump building slab electrical rough-in, pump building slab and bridge crane.

Before the next progress meeting on Aug. 7, the following work is expected to be completed: the tank will be complete, electrical for the pump building will be roughed-in, pumps and piping will be installed, vaults will be complete, yard pipe will be installed and the pump house will be complete.

The project completion date is projected for Tuesday, Sept. 4, which is five days before the end of the expected contract period.