(3/7) Nate Merkel from ARRO, Thurmont’s engineering contractor, provided detailed updates on several upcoming, ongoing and completed capital improvement projects at the Council’s March 5 Meeting.

North Church Street Water & Sewer Infrastructure Replacement

The Town is working to replace the aging water and sewer lines along North Church Street, expected to be completed in June or July. As construction continues, there have been water leaks reported due to vibrations from work on the sewer lines. Due to the age of the infrastructure, the leaks are unavoidable and will be repaired as they occur.

The scope of the project also includes removing an old pump house that is no longer in use, while keeping the water mains that are inside. "By removing [the pump house], you’re able to have that movement of the water," Merkel said. "You’re not flowing up against a valve." With the removal of the pump house, the Town will have full function of the existing water main.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is involved with the project because they are concerned about the infrastructure under the roadway. They are providing oversight and coordination throughout the project. After the project is complete, MDOT SHA will mill an overlay for the entirety of North Church Street, according to Merkel.

Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project

The Town has submitted for permits and is investigating funding options for the Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project. According to Merkel, finding funding to cover all or a portion of the project is critical.

The scope of this project will ease flooding in the area through three components, taking some of the stress off of the two small culverts under Emmitsburg Road.

ARRO has created a design for the project that increases the size of the culverts and adds a basin to the Radio Lane property to address downstream flooding. They also designed a stormwater basin to manage the runoff from Route 15 on the Rambler Inn property. The Town acquired a portion of the property where the basin will be located.

Radio Lane Pump Station Project

The Radio Lane Pump Station Project will provide the ability to transfer potable drinking water between the Town’s high-pressure and low-pressure zones. It is approved by the County and Soil Conservation District, and has submitted for approval by MDE for a Water Construction Permit.

When the project is complete, operators will be able to control the pumping station manually or automatically, with an option to redirect flow during an emergency. The emergency valves will be easier to access and will run on generators in case of a power outage. The project will also provide upgraded power supply on Eyler Road and Radio Lane.

Softball Field Project

The Softball Field Project, funded by Program Open Space, is 90% complete. The project will provide a lighted softball field for the 14U and 16U divisions with a walking path to the facility.

The lights were donated to the Town, saving about $50,000 for this project. "With the light set-up and how the lights were designed and how they are angled and situated on the field themselves, there’s practically zero light pollution spilling out beyond that field," Merkel said.

Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project

The Town is looking to retrofit five stormwater basins in accordance to its MS4 Pollution Reduction Plan and have received conditional approval from the County as of March 5. The Town and ARRO are reviewing the comments with plans to resubmit for full approval.

Community Park Tennis Court Redesign

In January, the Town accepted Superior Facilities Management Services’ bid for the project, which consists of resurfacing the tennis court and adding pickleball lines, new netting, new fencing, new benches and new lighting.

The new fencing will include a door for cleaning in addition to the door for players to enter and exit. The cleaning door will be smaller and will allow for sweeping leaves, etc.

Gateway Trail Bridge

The Gateway Trail Bridge Project consists of two pedestrian bridges: a 70-foot steel bridge spanning Big Hunting Creek and a 12-foot wooden bridge spanning a small tributary in the Town’s easement. The Project came about to allow pedestrian access from West Main Street to the Community Park.