As Alexandria pursues stormwater capacity projects to combat flooding in the north end, its drinking water utility will begin water line relocation in early July.
During the week of July 6, Virginia American Water will start work to relocate water service lines and parts of existing 6-inch and 12-inch ductile iron pipe. The work will happen on W. Reed Avenue from Mount Vernon Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.
According to Virginia American Water, the $500,000 water line and pipe relocations seek to improve water service reliability and boost water flows for firefighter use.
“Upgrading infrastructure is essential to ensuring consistent, dependable service for our customers as well as improving operational efficiency throughout the Commonwealth,” said Charlie Piekanski, vice president of operations at Virginia American Water. “We are also proud to support the City on mutually beneficial infrastructure upgrades.”
Several Flood Action Alexandria projects are happening near W. Reed Avenue. The city is also designing curb inlet improvements in the 100 block of W. Reed Avenue. Along with new inlets along W. Reed Avenue, the city will upgrade outfall pipes under Hume Spring Park and the Dale Street Community Garden. The project aims to catch stormwater runoff and reduce surface flooding along W. Reed Avenue and adjacent properties.
Nearby, the city is aiming to begin the Commonwealth, Ashby, and Glebe Flood Mitigation Project — one of its largest stormwater infrastructure projects — in summer 2027. That project is in design, and utility relocations are underway ahead of construction.
Virginia American Water’s project will be completed by contractor Utilities Unlimited. Work hours will vary between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The company says some evening and weekend work may be required to keep it on schedule.
Water service customers may experience temporary disruptions, discolored water or lower water pressure. Customers will be notified by the company in advance of water service disruptions.
“Crews will work as quickly as safely possible to shorten the duration of these temporary inconveniences,” Virginia American Water said.
According to the company, the contractor will try to keep one lane of traffic open during the work “as long as it can be done safely.” Residents will continue to have access to their homes and driveways but should be aware of “no parking” signs.
Work is weather permitting and is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Image via Imani/Unsplash
