City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond

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City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) – Single Project Bond
City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) – BLANKET Bond

Introduction

The City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) permit authorizes licensed contractors to excavate or open public streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way for water and sewer installation, repair, or connection work. To ensure proper restoration and protection of public infrastructure, the City and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) require contractors to secure a Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond before performing any excavation activities.

Explanation: City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond

The City of Pittsburgh Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond is a license and permit surety bond required by the Pittsburgh Department of Public Works and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) for any contractor or utility company seeking permission to excavate, dig, or open public streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way for water or sewer work.

This bond ensures that contractors performing street openings follow city standards for excavation, restoration, safety, and public infrastructure protection.

Purpose of the Bond

1. Compliance With City and PWSA Regulations

Contractors must follow all excavation, utility, and restoration rules established by the City of Pittsburgh and PWSA.

2. Protection of Public Infrastructure

Street openings for water and sewer connections can damage existing pipes, pavement, and utilities.
The bond guarantees contractors repair any damage and restore the site properly.

3. Financial Protection for the City

If a contractor fails to restore a street, causes damage, or violates permit conditions, the City may file a claim against the bond to cover repair costs.

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Who needs this bond?

You must obtain the bond if your work involves:

• Water or sewer connections

• Repair or replacement of water/sewer lines

• Excavation in public streets, alleys, sidewalks, or rights-of-way

• Any utility work requiring a Street Opening Permit from Pittsburgh DPW or PWSA

Both contractors and utility providers may be required to hold this bond before performing work.

How the bond works

A street opening bond is a three-party agreement:

If the contractor fails to meet requirements—such as improper backfilling, pavement restoration, or causing utility damage—the City may claim against the bond.

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Common situations that trigger claims

• Poorly restored pavement

• Failure to meet compaction or backfill standards

• Damage to water/sewer systems

• Unsafe excavation practices

• Failure to follow permit conditions

• Leaving hazardous or unfinished work

Process for Getting the City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond

Below is a step-by-step process for obtaining the City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond.

1. Confirm Permit Requirements

Before applying for the bond, verify whether your excavation or utility work requires a Street Opening Permit from:

• City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works (DPW)

• Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA)

Most work involving excavation in public streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way requires this bond.

2. Determine the Required Bond Amount

• The City or PWSA will tell you the bond amount based on the project scope.

3. Choose a Licensed Surety Bond Provider

Select a surety company authorized to issue bonds in Pennsylvania.
Prepare basic information:

• Business name and EIN

• Owner information (SSN, address)

• Project details (if requested)

• Contractor license information (if applicable)

4. Complete the Bond Application

Fill out the provider’s bond application. The surety will check:

• Credit score

• Business history

• Financial stability

This determines your bond premium.

5. Pay the Bond Premium

• Depending on bond amount and contractor qualifications.
• After payment, the surety executes the official bond form.

Conclusion

The City of Pittsburgh Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond is an essential requirement that ensures contractors follow city and PWSA regulations, properly restore excavation sites, and protect public infrastructure. Maintaining this bond is necessary for securing permits and performing compliant, safe water and sewer work within public rights-of-way.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here is a clear, concise, and professional FAQ for the City of Pittsburgh, PA – Street Opening (Water and Sewer) Bond:

How long is the bond valid?

The bond must remain active for the entire duration of the project or permit. Some contractors keep the bond active year-round for continuous work.

Who files claims against the bond?

Claims may be filed by the City of Pittsburgh, PWSA, or other affected parties if the contractor fails to comply with excavation or restoration requirements.

Can a bond be used for multiple permits?

This depends on City/PWSA approval. Some contractors maintain a continuous bond on file, while others provide individual project bonds.

Can the bond be transferred to another contractor?

No. The bond is specific to the contractor (principal) and cannot be assigned or transferred.

How do I submit the bond?

Submit the completed, signed, and sealed bond form with your Street Opening Permit application through the Department of Public Works (DPW) or PWSA, depending on project type.

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