Conroe to build new $6.5M water well on FM 1488

Residential development is continuing west of Conroe with the development of 393 acres near Old Highway 105 and FM 2854. Residential development is continuing west of Conroe with the development of 393 acres near Old Highway 105 and FM 2854. Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Conroe to build new $6.5M water well on FM 1488 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The city of Conroe is moving forward with the $6.5 million construction of a new water well on FM 1488 near Texas 242 despite being slightly over budget.

According to Tommy Woolley, director of capital projects and transportation for the city, remaining funds from other projects will cover the overage. The project was budgeted at $5.6 million.

The council awarded the contract to Sugarland-based Wharton-Smith. The project is expected to be complete in about 510 days.

The project includes a new water plant including water well, ground storage tank, chemical building and pneumatic pressure tank. The construction also includes a water line that will connect the new plant to the existing water system.

The council also approved a $1.5 million contract with Grand Prairie-based DN Tanks for the installation of a one-million-gallon water storage tank at its water plant on Pollok Drive. Woolley said the new tank is a replacement for a smaller tank at the site.

In other bid awards:

Wilson Road — The council approved a $206,000 change order for the Wilson Road project. Woolley said conflicts with utilities delayed the project and the city had several additional driveways that needed to be constructed.

Railroad crossing — Baytown-based GreenScape Six LLC was awarded a $232,500 contract for the railroad crossing improvements at Crighton Road and Interstate 45. The project includes four lands of concrete pavement with asphalt approaches, new pavement markings and street signs.

New equipment — The city is upgrading its audio and visual equipment in the council chambers. The council approved a $110,412 contract with Avinext for new projectors, sound system and improved microphones.

Lost leave pay — The council approved $108,170 in leave pay to firefighters who were unable to take accumulated leave during the period of August 2018 and August 2019. The firefighters were not allowed to take leave due to the unusual large number of open positions with the department.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com