Improvements and repairs to the Wabash Creek culvert are going to run the borough of Tamaqua approximately $40,000 more than originally anticipated.

The issue came to light Tuesday when borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt advised council that several change orders had been submitted as the project has progressed."They found seven areas that needed additional work," he said. Additionally, a proposed I-beam update is being deleted from the project. "The beam is integral to the bridge," said Steigerwalt, referring to the subterranean bridge in the area of South Railroad Street. "It was determined it would be better done when the bridge work is redone."Steigerwalt said the bridge is currently structurally sound and there are no issues with it, but at some point in the future, upgrades will be needed, similar to the repairs that will be completed on the West Broad Street bridge that are slated for next year.Councilman Brian Connely questioned change orders that essentially amounted to approximately 30 percent of the entire project, which was bid at $174,050.Steigerwalt said the areas in need of change orders were not visible during the original inspections, and also said the original bid price the borough received was very low.Council approved a request from the Tamaqua Band Boosters to assist with parking and traffic control for the Land of the Running Water Band Festival to will be held on Oct. 7. They also approved a request to close a section of Union Street to parking for a bike run that will be sponsored by Hiller's Hideaway on Oct. 7 to benefit Cassidy Derr.An executive session was held for personnel, real estate and litigation matters.