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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 11, 2006 Water runs down South Peach Street after a pipe was severed by construction equipment Tuesday, one of many problems that have plagued the road -widening project in Medford. Other problems have ranged from cut phone lines to a broken high-pressure gas line. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) (No) Easy Street Subcontractor spikes water line at South Peach Street project, meaning yet another time-killing delay By Meg Landers Mail Tribune Fraught with problems from the start, the South Peach Street widening project in Medford hit another obstacle Tuesday when a subcontractor broke a water line, putting road grading on hold for several hours. "I've been at this 28 years," said contractor Mark Taylor, president of Taylor Construction Co. of Medford. "I have never seen a project with this much interference." Taylor said paving is "tentatively" scheduled to begin today, and, barring further unforeseen problems, will be complete Oct. 18 — four weeks past the Sept. 20 deadline. Taylor blames the Medford Public Works Department for not anticipating the relocation of utilities prior to construction. "It's city design errors," said Taylor. "There was very little pre-planning." Advertisement But Public Works Director Cory Crebbin said moving utility lines mid-project is typical. "That's just the nature of these street reconstructions," said Crebbin, adding that the city doesn't have the staffing, time or money to relocate utilities in preparation of street work. From cut phone lines to broken water mains to a broken high-pressure gas line that caused a neighborhood evacuation last summer, construction crews have run into numerous delays on the Peach Street project, which runs from Stewart Avenue to Garfield Street. Local residents have lived with dust, mud and traffic delays since the asphalt was removed in March. The street was excavated two feet lower than its original height, though it ultimately will be built back up one foot. Bid at $987,000, the project will widen the street to 32 feet and replace its narrow shoulders and open ditches with seven-foot sidewalks, storm drains and bike lanes on both sides. Taylor has submitted 11 change orders totaling $69,000, said Crebbin. Taylor said a final cost has not been determined. Crebbin said this project had some big surprises. "The gas line and the water line were not as deep as they were expected to be," he said. Crebbin said the project has been "particularly disruptive" because of Peach Street's high-volume traffic and the number of residents affected. John Schwendener, construction manager for Avista, said his company spent $400,000 and 45 days replacing 2,700 feet of gas line that had not been planned for. "Somehow there was a breakdown in the communication," said Schwendener. "Whether the city is, Avista is or Mark Taylor is to blame, I'm not laying blame," he said. Eric Johnson, Medford Water Commission engineer, said the water lines were clearly mapped out in the design. "He (Taylor) saw the plan," he said. "He knew what he bid." Johnson declined further comment. Crebbin would not say who was at fault for the delays. "I just hope that everybody continues to work together to get the project done so we can minimize the impacts to residents," he said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com