It’s going to be loud at times in the Hereford Drive-Fontaine Avenue area on Grounds at the University of Virginia this week, with contractors performing controlled blasting to break rock to clear the way for a new water pipeline from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the Observatory Water Treatment Plant.
The blasts are scheduled to take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, according to the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority, which is preparing to enter the next construction phase for the replacement raw water pipeline.
The blast process involves drilling into rock and setting small charges. Heavy mats are laid across the surface to prevent loose debris from leaving the site.
Prior to each blast, a localized siren will go off to signal the impending detonation.
Each blast may generate a sound level up to 120 decibels and cause minor localized ground vibrations.
No road closures are anticipated next week. Temporary recreational trail closures may occur on the O-Hill Long Downhill, Fontaine Multi-Use Path and Gravel Doubletrack trails.
The Ragged Mountain Reservoir to Observatory Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Line Project aims to replace two aging 18-inch raw water pipes that currently transport raw, untreated water from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the Observatory Water Treatment Plant with a single 36-inch pipe.
The existing pipes are 70 to 100+ years old.
A detailed routing study for this project was completed in 2021, and easement acquisitions were completed in 2024.
Thalle Construction Company was awarded the project in 2024. The project’s total cost is $61.5 million.
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Chris Graham
