The BCWA will replace water mains in Metacom Avenue, from Bay View Avenue north to Robin Drive during the summer of 2016. Replacing this main is the first step to expansion of the high pressure zone. The project involves replacing approximately 4500 feet of old asbestos cement 8” pipe with 12” diameter new ductile iron pipe. When the work is complete, the high pressure zone will be expanded to include the neighborhoods shown below in orange, and fire protection throughout the high pressure zone will be greatly increased.
The BCWA has chosen D’Ambra Construction to perform the work. The cost is approximately $2,000,000 and includes engineering design and inspection, the contractor’s fee to install the new pipe and police protection during construction.
HOW WILL THIS WORK AFFECT YOU?
In order to perform these upgrades, the existing water main must be taken out of service for several weeks. While the water main is shut down, water supply will be provided to the high pressure zone through temporary above ground water bypass lines. The Contractor will begin setting up the bypass piping in May. These pipes will be connected directly to the homes and businesses on Metacom Avenue, between Annawamscutt Drive and Bay View Avenue.
PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP!
Temporary water service piping at driveway entrances will be covered with asphalt and temporary ramp. At parking lots and street crossings, the pipes will be buried below ground.
The water in the bypass pipes is safe to drink. It is tested and meets the same high water quality standards as the water from underground pipes. BCWA does not anticipate significant discoloration of water during this project; however, crews may need to turn water valves, which may cause temporary discoloration of water. Discoloration of water is usually linked to naturally-occurring sediment and rust in the water main. It does not pose a health risk, and it normally goes away after flushing. Please remember to run each faucet for a few minutes before drinking or using, and run your clothes washer empty on its shortest cycle before putting in clothes to avoid discoloration. The temperature of your water will also be affected by outside temperatures, and in high summer heat, the water temperature may be higher than normal.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
- Installation of the bypass piping will begin in May. Once complete, the installation of new water mains in Metacom Avenue will begin and continue through August.
- All businesses on Metacom Avenue will remain open during the construction, including access to off-street parking areas.
- If a temporary water service shut-off is necessary, affected residents will be notified 48 hours in advance. Scheduled service interruptions will be minimized to the extent possible.
- Trees and plants in public space will be protected to the extent possible. If removed or damaged, they will be replaced. Any damage to private property will also be repaired.
- Please use extra caution when walking, driving, biking or running in the construction project area and over any temporary piping structures
- BCWA will require the Contractor to maintain the area safe throughout the project and all areas will be restored to original conditions.
- All areas excavated will be restored and patched with temporary pavement as soon as possible. The use of steel plates will only be short term.
- Normal work hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm, Monday through Friday, Two-way traffic will be maintained from 7am to 9am, with alternating one-way traffic allowed between 9am and 3pm.
- There will be no work done from Friday, July 1st through Monday, July 4th.
- Police Officers and flagging operations will be used daily for each construction phase to maintain traffic in the construction work zone.
TEMPORARY INCONVENIENCE, PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS
Clear, clean, high quality drinking water and adequate fire protection is our ultimate objective in all this activity. We realize that there are going to be some inconveniences during the project such as noise, dust, water shutdowns, traffic detours and temporary pavement. We will strive to minimize the inconveniences and annoyances on our customers.
Please keep in mind that these temporary inconveniences allow us to make permanent improvements to our system. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Should you have any questions or concerns about a worker wanting access to your basement, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 401-245-2022 between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday.