Water works: Water main replacement slated to begin Aug. 26

Phase I of the city's water infrastructure project will begin next week. Dickinson-based BEK Consulting will come on scene Monday, Aug. 26 to begin replacing the city's century-old cast iron water mains with PVC pipe.

A total of 71 blocks of water main are slated for replacement over the next 14 months. All the blocks are located west of U.S. Highway 281 in city limits.

According to BEK's construction manager, Robert Bartz, Typical work hours will be 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Weekday hours will vary as the fall season progresses; crews will generally work from dawn until dusk.

The first priority for BEK Consulting will be a trio of blocks on the southeast edge of the project, starting with the 100 block of Third Avenue South. As soon as those three blocks are finished, work will begin on what's been dubbed "Frozen Third," five blocks along Third Avenue North from the 200 block to the 600 block. This area has been prime for water breaks, especially in the winter months. A new line will go in north of Third Avenue along Sixth Street. The map below illustrates all 17 blocks slated for completion this fall.

Work on the remaining 53 blocks will resume in the spring as soon as conditions allow. The expected completion date is Oct. 15, 2020.

The contractor will dig a 10 foot wide trench to reveal and remove the existing water main and then install new PVC pipe. Once the work is complete and trench is covered, Border States Paving will apply an asphalt patch to restore the surface of the roadway.

The specifications limit shutdowns to 5 hours and require a 48-hour notice to residents prior to shutting down the water system. BEK Consulting has committed to avoid shutting down the water on nights and weekends. Temporary water service piping will be installed throughout each neighborhood, connected to outdoor spigots. If no outdoor spigot is available, the contractor will install temporary water inside the home or business through a door or window. Residents will receive a letter explaining the process prior to the commencement of construction.  

Residents can access progress updates on the project's website, which is maintained by Interstate Engineering. The website contains an interactive map that illustrates the blocks slated for construction, progress completed and next priority areas. http://www.interstateeng.com/newrockford/