Public Meeting Open House:  Tuesday, March 5, 2024
5:30 - 7:00pm
Pilgrim Baptist Church’s Family Life Center (1415 8th St NW, Roanoke)

Representatives from the Western Virginia Water Authority's Engineering Division, contractor E.C. Pace, design engineers CHA Consulting, and the City of Roanoke will be on-hand to share information and answer any questions you might have.

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Tuesday August 22, 2023 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Pilgrim Baptist Church’s Family Life Center (1415 8th St NW, Roanoke)

All are welcome to attend the open-house style, community meeting anytime between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.  Representatives from the Western Virginia Water Authority, the Virginia Department of Health, CHA engineering group and the City of Roanoke will be on hand to answer questions and share maps of the project area.

The project consists of replacement of undersized 2-inch galvanized steel pipe (12,100 ft.), replacement of pre-1930's cast iron pipe (22,500 ft.), and replacement of newer cast iron piping with known issues (1,790 ft); for a total replacement of approximately 36,400 ft. (nearly 7 miles).  

 The project will offer improved distribution water flows, reduction of water service disruption by replacing old lines and valves, more fire hydrants in the project area, and replacement of service lines to customer’s meters.  The project began in March 2024 and is to be completed in early fall 2025.  The contractor has completed all water main installations for the project. Final paving of the streets in the project area and restoration work will happen in the spring of 2025.

This project is being funded though the Virginia Department of Health with federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds.  The Western Virginia Water Authority received over $6.4 million in grant funding and will provide an additional $2.6 million of debt funding for a total project budget of slightly over $9.0 million. 

The project began in March 2024 and is to be completed in spring 2026. 

• Prior to construction, surveyors will be on the project site collecting information, utility location staff will mark existing water, sewer, electric, and communication lines and engineers will be on site to determine best location for replacement waterlines.

The Construction Process 

1. Initial Excavation:  The Contractor will mobilize and excavate a trench for the new water pipe.
   
   
2. Pipe Installation:  The Contractor will install new 8-inch to 12-inch water pipe in the trench.
   
   
3. Trench Backfill:  The Contractor will place stone in the trench around the water pipe and compact.
   
   
4. Paving Patch:  The Contractor will patch the trench in preparation for City full street paving.
   
   
5. Final Paving:  The City of Roanoke will mill and pave the streets in the project area.  This work is expected to take place in the spring of 2025.

What You Should Expect

• Waterline installation will be completed block-by-block. While work is taking place on your block, the road will be closed to through traffic. Access for local traffic, school buses and emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

• While work is being completed, on-street parking will be limited to one side of the street or the other. This is to allow the water mains and services to be installed and for the pavement to be patched.

• While we are installing new water services, there will be excavations around both your existing and the new water meters. This may include the sidewalk in front of your house as well as a portion of your yard. These areas will be cleaned up and restored as soon as the new waterlines are in service.

• There may be times when your driveway is blocked temporarily. This will be minimized to the extent possible. We will let you know when this will take place ahead of time, and make parking / access arrangements.  

Q: Will I be notified before construction begins?

A: Yes. There will be multiple communication efforts between now and the beginning of construction.    Information will be available on the WVWA webpage and also provided through the automated phone system.  

 Q: Will my driveway be accessible during construction?

A: Yes. We will be providing access to driveways through the duration of the project. We will work with property owners and businesses to coordinate the work schedule to meet your travel needs.

 Q: Will I lose water service during the construction?

A: Our plan includes installation of the new waterline while leaving the existing system in place. There may be short periods of service interruption in the event that the existing system is damaged, however, providing continuous water service throughout the construction phase is our goal. You will be notified of any planned or scheduled disruption in service will via the automated phone system.  

 Q: Will I have access to the new waterline immediately?

A: The waterline will need to be fully installed, tested for leaks and quality, and flushed prior to switching the customers over from the old waterlines to the new waterlines. Communication will be provided prior to switching customers as there will be a short disruption in service during the switch.    

Q: Is there anything that I will see that could be confusing?

A: During construction, a new service line will be installed next to your existing meter. You will still be  on the current system until the project is fully complete so don’t be frustrated if your flow  doesn’t change once you see a service line has been constructed.  

 Q: How will restoration / repairing damage to grass be handled?

A: Any alteration to your property will be restored as soon as possible. There will be WVWA representatives on site full time to communicate with property owners about when the restoration will occur and to address any questions that you may have about the project.

 Q: Will travel be impacted (cars and or school buses)?

A: A Maintenance of Traffic plan will be developed by WVWA to provide constant travel access in the project area throughout the duration of the project. Maintaining school bus pick-up and drop-off routes and schedules will be a priority.    

 Q: Will another community meeting be held prior to the beginning of construction?

A: The WVWA will hold another community meeting prior to the beginning of construction to provide updated information related to project start date, duration, final design details, etc.