Bellaire and Hillcroft Large Diameter Water Line Improvements - Package 1

Q  What is the project scope?

A  We are replacing a 24” main water line along Bellaire Boulevard through the intersection of Hillcroft/Bellaire for approximately 300 feet due to chronic leak and maintenance issues. The original plan called a simple by-pass and two tunneling operation.

Q  What is causing the delay for this portion of the project?

A  An unknown source of water infiltration in SE corner shaft on “Tunnel #2” required dewatering wells along the south legs of Hillcroft that required us to close each lane as the tunnel operation was continuing. This is the primary reason the project was delayed. These shafts are 40 feet deep therefore complicated operation that typically takes time to maintain tunnel stability. The good news is by the end of this week; we will open up all north-south Hillcroft lanes to traffic completely restored and they will remain open for the remainder of the project period other than unforeseen conditions. Additional reason for the delay, is unforeseen utility conflicts which required shifting two of the shafts to the west, which extended Tunnel #2, and also shifted Tunnel #1 to the west.

Q What are the remaining construction activities?

A 1. Pavement restoration and repair across Hillcroft - COMPLETED

2. Chlorination of new pipe-line - COMPLETED

3. Pressure testing of the new line - COMPLETED 

4. Wet connect to 20-inch line along Hillcroft at the intersection of Bellaire Southwest corner - COMPLETED

5. Wet connect to 24-inch line in the median of Bellaire westside - COMPLETED

6. Backfill open shaft pits at the southeast and southwest corners of the intersection and westside median along Bellaire - Scheduled to be backfilled by Saturday, April 29, 2023

7. Pavement restoration at shaft pits located at southeast and southwest corners of the intersection - Scheduled to be restored by Saturday, April 29, 2023

8. Sidewalk restoration along Bellaire in front of PLS Check Cashers Office – COMPLETED

9. Install Fire Hydrant at Southwest corner and sidewalk restoration – Scheduled to be completed by Saturday, April 29, 2023

10. Install Fire Hydrant at Northwest corner and sidewalk restoration – Scheduled to be completed by Saturday, April 29, 2023

11. Site restoration in the median along Bellaire westside - Will be restored by next week by May 5, 2023

Q  What is the project's completion schedule?

A  The anticipated completion schedule for Hillcroft/Bellaire is by the end of April 2023.