This project is a necessary part of a larger, federally-mandated program to reduce sewage overflows during rainstorms. This project, coupled with other planned improvements, will address long standing conditional, access, encroachment, and jurisdictional issues related to the existing sewer within the Newport News Shipbuilding property that was constructed in 1945.

We look at several routes/sites to determine what meets HRSD’s and the City’s (Newport News) needs of availability, price, relation to existing infrastructure, property agreement terms, ease of access to the property for construction, and future maintenance.

Disruptions to traffic will be minimized, and in most cases, a single lane of traffic will be maintained. As part of the comprehensive traffic control developed to minimize traffic disruption, a combination of flagging and detours will be used where necessary to help direct traffic. The proposed improvements will be located within the public right-of ways. Construction will be “trenchless” where possible, meaning the contractor will not need to dig up the street to install the new pipeline; however, a portion of the construction must be accomplished by conventional open cut excavation.

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.

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.

There may be instances when sewer lateral pipes, water distribution mains, and water service lines will be impacted or relocated as necessary to complete the proposed improvements. In these cases, you may be temporarily without water or sewer service while the work on the sewer laterals or water distribution system is being performed. The contractor will notify you in advance of this work, so you can plan appropriately.

Where sewer and lateral pipes are dug up, asphalt, curb, gutters, driveway aprons, and grass will be removed and then restored upon completion of the project.

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 contractor will keep some supplies within the active work zone, in the public right-of way.

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.

The estimated cost for the project is $12.2 million and is financed by the wastewater treatment fees paid by HRSD customers.

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.