BERWYN – A sink hole formed over a combined sewer east of Ridgeland Avenue in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) right-of-way will require a $287,000 fix that has already begun.

BNSF reported it has installed a temporary repair of a breach in the approximately 100-year-old, 90-inch diameter brick combined sewer that will soon require a more permanent fix.

In response, city officials called in Patrick Engineering to conduct an analysis that would include "a clear identification of the issue, options to consider and general overall approach."

Patrick Engineering staff presented a list of options to the City Council at the Jan. 28 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the repair of the combined sewer breach.

City Administrator Brian Pabst told the council the goal was to hire a firm with the expertise to prepare design documents, identify specialized equipment needed to handle the various below grade, confined work space and manage the project as turn-key with BNSF oversight.

The Council agreed to hire Patrick Engineering based on the reccommendation of staff due to the "extensive railroad and storm drainage experience" the firm has, as well as the fact it was certified to work on the BNSF right-of-way.

Past examination of the sewer structure had been conducted by televising the area of the structure that was damaged. Crews are now physically going in to the sewer to visually inspect the damage.

The repairs will be paid out of the city's Reserve Fund, which was established during Mayor Robert Loveo's term in office to accommodate emergencies.

"Because we have a reserve fund we are able to address important, emergency repairs of this nature in a timely manner," Pabst said.