By Nicole C. Brambila | The Denver Gazette
Surprise historic sewer discovery delayed completion a year, cost $18M
The Denver Auditor recently found significant oversight and contracting problems with the $175.6 million 16th Street Improvement Project, including an $18 million contract increase and a nearly one-year extension that bypassed City Council review.
The report also found that inadequate planning for historic brick sewers contributed to the overruns, even after one of the three qualified contractors withdrew from bidding because of utility risks. The city proceeded without fully investigating those risks, which later contributed to the $18 million increase and nearly yearlong delay.
“Because the city did not consider the sewer while planning the 16th Street Improvement Project, businesses on 16th Street had construction lingering outside their doors for nearly a year longer than expected,” Auditor Timothy O’Brien said in a statement.
Denver City Council approved $149 million in 16th Street renovation costs in 2021 and the brick sewer was discovered the following year, which halted construction. PCL Construction was tabbed as the lead contractor.
A brick sewer is an underground drainage or wastewater conduit built with specialized bricks, commonly dating back to the early 19th and 20th centuries. Officials do not know the location of every brick sewer in Denver.
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