PORTLAND — Bids for an estimated $2.35 million project to extend Thames Street and create stormwater drainage are scheduled to be opened Feb. 7.

The project along the city’s eastern waterfront continues the redevelopment of the area, by extending Thames Street 350 feet past its present terminus so it can be linked to an access road from Fore Street.

The roads would intersect on the former Portland Co. property.

Originally estimated to cost $1.2 million, the cost nearly doubled when the city added a storm drain to the project, Public Works Director Chris Branch said Jan. 25.

The scope of the work, which includes installation of a 60-inch drain pipe and rebuilding the Fore River seawall, requires state and federal environmental permits. The request for proposals requires the storm outfall to be completed by May 1.

Notes from a Jan. 22 pre-bid meeting that drew representatives from nine companies said the stormwater outfall line also crosses the path of a 33-inch Portland Water District main “that serves half of Portland.”

Contractors will also have to coordinate with the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad about moving and replacing some tracks before the railway season begins in May.

Base paving for the road must be completed by Sept. 13, according to the bid specifications.

The site plan application was filed by Woodard & Curran on July 3, 2018. Jeff Levine, director of Planning & Urban Development, said Jan. 25 the site plan was approved administratively on Dec. 11, without review by the Planning Board.

The extension of Thames Street, a part of a 2006 waterfront master plan, generated debate because it was also part of a 2016 agreement with the owners of the former Portland Co. complex.

In the deal, the city sold what is now Portland Foreside Development Co. a 12,000-square-foot parcel for $400,000. Opponents of the deal included Mayor Ethan Strimling, who said the city should have received more, since the land was valued at $900,000.

The Thames Street extension is funded in part through $1.4 million in the fiscal year 2018 capital improvements plan, and $375,000 in the sewer fund CIP. The $28.16 million fiscal year 2020 CIP for stormwater projects contains a $950,000 allocation for the drainage portion of the work.

The funds are repaid through sewer fees and the stormwater fee assessed to call city property owners. The CIP has not yet been approved by city councilors.

The lengthened Thames Street would feature brick sidewalks on the water side. Brick sidewalks will not be installed on the land side at first because of anticipated development on the remaining city-owned parcel.

The Thames Street extension is adjacent to the planned Amethyst Park, which would replace a water-side parking lot. The park is also intended to protect the area from effects of rising sea levels. Its cost has been estimated at $16 million; the city committed $300,000 for design work in the 2018 CIP.

David Harry can be reached at 780-9092 or dharry@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidHarry8.

Extending Thames Street into the outlined area along the waterfront while also providing stormwater drainage is expected to cost $2.35 million. Bids will be opened Feb. 7.

Portland is seeking bids for an estimated $2.35 million project to extend Thames Street about 350 feet along the waterfront.