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"Great Bridge Lock Sewer Pipe Replacement"
Great Bridge Interceptor Force Main Emergency Replacement
HRSD Capital Improvement Program Project (AT016400)Webpage Reviewed: September 3, 2026
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HRSD is undertaking a project to replace this sewer pipe following damage that occurred in March 2023 from an alleged third party. The existing sewer pipe crosses the Albemarle Chesapeake Canal near the Great Bridge Draw Bridge on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) property.
Replacing the pipe in the existing location is not possible due additional USACE requirements and constructability challenges. The new sewer pipe alignment will follow Locks Road, USACE property, Callison Drive, and Wilson Drive to be installed via traditional trench and backfill installation, meaning excavation will occur. The portions of pipe to be installed beneath the canal will be installed via horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which does not require excavation. The work also includes the removal of the existing pipe in the canal and the abandonment of pipe within buried areas in the easement.
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Notices
September 2, 2026 - Notice to Neighbors
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September 1, 2026
Construction has not started at this time.
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The work will be confined to Wilson Drive and Callison Drive, as well as South Battlefield Boulevard and Locks Road. Comprehensive traffic control plans will be implemented to minimize inconvenience.
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- Staging:
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Mid to Late September 2026
- Construction:
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Fall 2026 – Early Summer 2027
- Restoration:
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Immediately following construction when seasonably appropriate.
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This project is necessary to replace the sewer pipe due to structural damage that occurred in March 2023 from an alleged third party. This pipe conveys sewage flows collected from the Great Bridge area to the HRSD Atlantic Treatment Plant, and the damage resulted in total inoperability of the pipe.
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Disruptions to traffic will be minimized, and in most cases, a single lane of traffic will be maintained. Detours are anticipated around Callison Drive, and flagging will be used to help direct traffic as needed.
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The contractor will ensure that access to residences and at least one entrance to businesses will be maintained throughout construction. Trash and mail services will not be affected. If necessary, the contractor will move trash containers from within a work zone to an area accessible for pickup and will be responsible for returning them to each residence.
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Work will typically take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours (7 a.m. - 5 p.m.). However, there may be times when extended hours, work at night, or weekend work may be necessary.
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The work required to connect the new sewer pipe to the pump stations on Locks Road and Callison Drive may result in temporary sewer service interruption, likely during nighttime hours. The contractor will notify you before work begins so you can plan accordingly. Sewer service typically will be restored within several hours. Your water service should not be affected by this project.
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Where sewer pipes are dug up, asphalt, curb, gutters, driveway aprons, and grass will be removed and then restored upon completion of the project.
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The typical construction noises such as equipment engines, back-up alarms, materials being delivered, diesel generators, air compressors, sawing, and associated activities should be anticipated. The noisiest pieces of equipment to be used during construction include the excavator, compactor, and vibratory roller.
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The contractor has negotiated with a private property owner for a storage area in the project vicinity, and this site will be used to store most of the construction equipment and supplies. The contractor will keep some supplies within the active work zone, in the public right-of-way.
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Construction workers will not be allowed to park their personal vehicles on the public streets. However, work trucks will be allowed to park within the active work zone.
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The estimated construction cost for the project is approximately $6.2 million and is financed by the wastewater treatment fees paid by HRSD customers.
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Regular project updates are posted on the HRSD website at www.hrsd.com/construction-status. You may also sign up at www.hrsd.com/subscriptions to receive an email notification whenever the website has an update about the project.
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- Public Information Specialist:
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Lisa Bolen
757.460.7000 (Office)
- HRSD Project Manager:
- Shirley Smith
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- Chief of Communications:
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Leila Rice, APR
757.460.7056 (Office)
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- Engineering Consultant Firm:
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RK&K, Newport News, VA
- Engineering Consultant Project Lead:
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Leanne Kay
- Contractor:
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Bridgeman Civil, VA
- Contractor Field Project Manager:
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Robert Thomas
- City of Chesapeake Contact:
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Allison Harper