As infrastructure ages, it creates a ripple effect of issues that only engineers can solve. See how our team used outside-the-box thinking that resulted in better drinking water, flood control, and neighborhood connectivity in the Village of Addison.
Out with the old…
The Village of Addison has been systematically updating its utility infrastructure, modernizing outdated systems to meet today’s best practices. When older subdivisions were originally designed, planners combined sanitary and stormwater sewer systems: a practice that did not cause much issue based on the smaller population’s needs. But as communities grow, they cause additional infrastructure strain, making it harder to properly treat water at such massive volumes.
Our team was hired for municipal design and resident engineering services for the separation of one of the last Village subdivision’s combined sewer systems. The scope of work also included main watermain replacement for the residential neighborhood, as well as:
- Clean construction demolition
- Construction management and inspection
- Drainage and pavement design
- Permitting assistance
- Topographic mapping
- Wetland delineation and assessment
We also partnered with geotechnical consultant NASHnal to conduct soil and material testing on site. This project utilized funds from the American Rescue Plan Act: federal funding intended to support local economies post Covid-19.
…in with the new
As work began, it became clear that the original system’s tight confines and overlapping utilities would make separation a challenge. Finding solutions to make double the number of pipes fit without interrupting residential service proved to be an interesting engineering puzzle.
Our team worked the problem from multiple angles and devised a creative answer: reroute the entire system. Rather than ripping out small roadways and creating a “Swiss cheese” situation of poking around utilities, rerouting the outdated path allowed our team to reduce demolition, increase the drainage structure, and save money through labor efficiencies.
This project included:
- 4,500 feet of new watermain
- 3,500 feet of new sanitary sewer
- 4,500 feet of new storm sewer
Modernizing old infrastructure creates tremendous value for residents. As a result of our collaboration, the Village can now provide:
- Minimized lead contamination: We replaced several lead water service lines to the meter, clearing the way for cleaner drinking water.
- Better stormwater support: By installing a much more balanced, reliable system, there is now significantly less potential for contaminated water backup.
- Improved roadways and sidewalks: As we rerouted the sewer, we also provided roadway resurfacing, sidewalk replacements, and ADA improvements, as well as new curbs, gutters, and drainage structures.
“What I like about this type of work is that it’s always a challenge. With older subdivisions, you never know what you’re going to get. How do I fit all these things in a little box? How does it all package together? I like making the game plan: creating something that is easy to implement. You always learn something on every project, and that’s why I enjoy working in the utility arena.”
Jason Holy, Senior Project Manager
Work with V3’s municipal consultants
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