Clearwater County has awarded a $1.03-million tender to Urban Dirtworks for infrastructure upgrades on the south end of Caroline.

The project will upgrade a critical 210-metre stretch of 49 Street, where the hamlet’s wastewater flows to the lagoon.

Work will run from the 48 Avenue intersection to the community’s south limit, and includes replacing sanitary lines and an asbestos cement waterline, along with stormwater, asphalt, curb and sidewalk improvements.

Five companies bid on the contract through a competitive tender process launched in early March, with estimates ranging from about $925,000 to more than $1.18 million.

Like other recent projects, officials say rising costs have pushed the project above its original $725,000 budget.

Kate Reglin, the county’s capital projects supervisor, says an additional $312,000 is needed due to higher diesel prices and on-site engineering requirements.

The last comprehensive inspection and upgrade of utility lines along the stretch was completed in 2012.

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Reglin adds, a $1,500-per-day site occupancy bonus has been included to encourage timely completion of the work.

During the projected 45-day construction period, minor service disruptions may affect nearby homes, although Reglin says efforts will be made to limit shutdowns to no more than four hours.

Deputy Reeve Drew McKay questioned why on-site engineering could not be handled by county staff. Public Works Director Erik Hansen says the work is typically contracted out, particularly during a busy construction season that includes about 40 capital projects in 2026.

Council approved awarding the contract and increasing the project budget.

Weather permitting, work could begin as early as May.