CRANBERRY TWP — The expensive renovation and expansion project of the Brush Creek sewage plant got a lot more expensive.

Bids for the estimated $40 million project came in 40 percent higher at $56 million for four different contracts.

Because of that, township officials plan to revise and rebid the project.

Township engineer Jason Kratsas told the supervisors Thursday night that staff is recommending they reject the bids at their meeting next week. The bids were discussed at the township meeting.

They then will prepare new documents so the township can seek bids a second time at the end of March and make an award in April.

Four companies bid for the general contract, and Kratsas anticipates they all will bid again.

After talking to the companies, officials learned some of the reasons why the estimate was low.

The contractors anticipate high costs for excavation of unsuitable fill from beneath existing buildings that will be torn down and high costs from working at a site that has limited acreage and must be kept operational during construction.

The township hopes to save about $8.38 million by deferring several aspects of the renovation to a second phase of work, which is expected to be needed in about 10 years.

The rebids likely will delay the start of construction by two months from June to August, though officials still expect the work to be done by the summer of 2019, Kratsas said.

The need to rebid is a “bump in the road,” officials said.

“It’s unfortunate and frustrating for all of us that we’re at where we’re at,” supervisor Chairman Dick Hadley said.

The Brush Creek facility serves most of the residents of the township and some residents in Bradford Woods and Pine, New Sewickley and Marshall townships.

Marshall will contribute a percentage to the project, anticipated to be about $7.7 million, based on its usage.

In July, the Cranberry supervisors approved a $32 million bond to pay for the project. They also increased the sewer rates from $7.16 to $7.98 per thousand gallons of water, which took effect Oct. 20. This costs the average ratepayer $4.10 more per month.

Township manager Jerry Andree said Thursday the township likely will need to do another bond to cover the remaining costs of the project.