City officials expect construction near city hall, the Hall of Justice, and the County Annex to be completed before the end of this week after a slight delay.

Ramshorn Construction is doing the work, which was supposed to be completed before Oct. 9. The contract was awarded three weeks later than expected and utility issues pushed the scheduled completion date back further, according to City Engineer Andrew Beamer.

The $530,000 storm-sewer replacement project calls for replacing "3,400 feet of corroded, undersized storm sewer," according to a memo from Beamer to City Manager Tom Forslund.

"This project replaces storm sewer pipe around Casper City Hall and the Sandbar business district. The existing pipe is constructed of corrugated pipe that is corroded and undersized to handle [a] 10-year storm event," the memo read. "The replacement pipe will be larger and constructed out of corrosion resistant concrete."

The city had expected the project's cost to top $763,000, but like many other city projects bid and constructed this year, the price came back significantly lower than expected.

Even after the city council set aside about $10,000 for a just-in-case reserve fund, the awarded contract was more than $220,000 less than the city's estimate.

The city unsuccessfully sought stimulus dollars for the project, which will be paid for with one-time money received by the city.

This construction isn't related to other water-main construction being done throughout Casper and is limited to areas near the Casper city hall.

You can reach city reporter Pete Nickeas at pete.nickeas@trib.com or (307) 266-0639. You can read more about Casper politics and government at http://tribtown.trib.com/redtape