N. Driver Street - Miscellaneous Waterline Replacement Project

PROJECT INFORMATION

The City of Durham Department of Water Management is currently performing preliminary engineering services to replace an existing 2-inch and 6-inch waterline with approximately 3,500 feet of 8-inch DIP waterline along North and South Driver Street. The project area is bound by Ashe Street and Liberty Street. This project is part of a city-wide effort to upgrade its water system. Water Management intends to maximize efficiency and create an acceptable, balanced relationship between the project and residents. The pipe will be installed via an open-cut method, digging a trench for installation of the new pipe. Replacement of the water main will affect traffic near the project area. 

The first steps of the design phase are to perform underground utility locating services, including level A subsurface utility engineering (SUE), and soil borings. This task will cause minimal disturbance. A 30-day notification will be delivered to affected residents in the project area followed by a door hanger 7-days in advance of surveying in the neighborhood.

KEY PROJECT SCHEDULING

1. Notice to Proceed: May 2023
2. 30-Day Notifications Mailed: June 2023
3. 7-Day Door Hangers: July 2023
4. Survey and Soil Borings: August/September 2023
5. Level A SUE: Spring 2024
6. Begin Design of Waterline: Winter 2023/2024
7. Begin Construction: Summer 2025

PROJECT UPDATE

June 2023

The project is currently in the preliminary data collection phase. As part of this process, crews will be collecting survey data, SUE location, and soil borings along potential pipeline corridors. Residents in the area may see field crews near your residence and/or property. All field personnel will wear appropriate field clothing that identifies their company along with proper safety attire.  Survey and SUE is being done by CDM Smith’s sub-consultants, Cooper and Associates and Stewart Engineering, respectively. The soil boring work is being done by CDM Smith’s sub-consultant, F&R Engineering. The soil boring activity is expected to begin in late summer 2023 and last approximately 2 weeks.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What impacts can be expected during the study/design phase of the project?
   • Field survey of the existing utilities in the project area.
   • Non-toxic temporary paint will be used to mark the location of buried utilities in the project area. The temporary paint will wash away in several weeks depending on rain, traffic, etc.
   • Localized borings will be required to obtain information about existing utility locations and geotechnical conditions.
   • Sound levels associated with localized borings are anticipated to be between 70 and 90 decibels.
   • Pedestrian and traffic impacts within the project limits are expected to be limited.
   • Small pavement cuts may be required and will be temporarily patched.
   • Work of this nature will be conducted within daytime hours. If “off hours” work is required advance notice shall be provided.
2. What is geotechnical boring and Level A SUE?
   • Subcontractors for the City of Durham will be performing subsurface investigations throughout the project area to locate existing, buried utilities and determine soil properties. This will help to avoid conflicts with existing utilities during the design and construction phases. It also helps the contractor prepare for different soil conditions. Lane closures lasting several hours will be used at each of the subsurface investigation locations throughout the project area. Small amounts of soil will be removed via an auger or vacuum to complete the investigation, followed by repairing the excavation.
3. What impacts can be expected during the construction phase?
   • All property owners will be provided notice in advance of construction on or near their property.
   • There will be pedestrian, traffic, and noise impacts during construction.
   • The City’s contractor will be required to maintain access to residences and businesses at all times.
   • Sound levels near active construction areas are anticipated to be between 70 and 90 decibels, with some work in high traffic areas may occur during overnight hours.
   • Appropriate communication and signage will direct property owners, residents, and visitors around the area with regards to any impacts throughout construction.
   • At the completion of the project, disturbed areas along roadways and sidewalks will be repaved, and lawns will be graded and reseeded.
4. Will my water service be affected by the project?
   • Once the project enters the construction phase, existing water meters in the project area will need to be connected to the newly installed waterlines. It is possible that customers will be without water for a short duration (typically a few hours) while this transition takes place. Property owners will be notified in advance regarding any planned service disruptions.

Project Map