Lafayette closes out Phase 1 of lead service line replacement project

Lafayette closes out Phase 1 of lead service line replacement projectThe Board of Public Works and Safety approved the final completion and a $265,556 retainage release to Atlas Excavating, officially concluding the first phase of the city's lead line replacement efforts.

The board approved a final payment of $265,556.50 to Atlas Excavating to release the project's retainage.

Phase 1 reached a final contract sum of $4.35 million, reflecting over $980,000 in deductive change orders from the original $5.31 million contract.

Lafayette Water Works confirmed that unspent revenue funds from Phase 1 will be carried over to finance the next phase of replacements.

The City of Lafayette, Indiana, has officially completed the first phase of its lead service line replacement initiative. During the August 18 Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, officials approved the final completion and authorized the release of retainage to the project's contractor, Atlas Excavating. Jason Abley of Lafayette Water Works presented the final completion letter from Wessler Engineering, confirming that Atlas Excavating had satisfactorily completed all punch list items and submitted necessary lien waivers. The board unanimously approved the final payment request of $265,556.50, which releases the retainage for the project. According to project documents, the Phase 1 contract originally totaled $5.31 million. Following multiple change orders—including a net deduction of more than $980,000—the final contract sum concluded at $4.35 million. A one-year warranty period for the work accepted at substantial completion will run through April 3, 2027. Looking ahead, city officials noted that the financial closeout of Phase 1 positions the utility for future work. During the meeting, a board member inquired if excess funds would be directed toward the award of a second project phase. Staff confirmed that unspent revenue funds from Phase 1 have been carried over to help finance the next phase of lead service line replacements.