Update - November 25, 2024 - Continued Progress
Three excavators were necessary to set this Hobas T. Getting a T in the right place, elevation and slope can be tricky. These big pieces of equipment can move a lot of dirt in a hurry with a big scoop and heavy hydraulics. The precision that is required to finesse the large 60-inch pipe into place is a bit deceiving. While often compared to a joystick on a high-tech video game, these equipment operators have honed their craft and know how to manipulate multi-ton pieces of equipment for a precise pipe fit.
The excavator operator making incremental adjustment to make sure the Hobas T is consistent with the project design specifications.
The heavy digging, back filling and pipe setting is now passed the Woodside subdivision. Progress continues as the pipe is laid in the farmland to the west. This area will continue to be an active work zone, but now more in a support role. Some of the material is still being prepped and stored in this area, but you will soon start to see this area reduce in activity, equipment and material. In a recent construction meeting the contractor reported plans for restoration and finished grade for areas where the pipe was buried in the pipe alignment easement. The project greatly appreciates your continued patience as this portion of the project wraps up.
Update - November 13, 2024
This week 100 linear feet of pipe was installed and about the same amount back filled and covered. This brings the total to about 1700 linear feet of pipe laid and covered.
The contractor is now beyond 420 West Street with trenching, laying, and backfill. The road should be re-opened this week. The project will continue to move northwest into the farmland and away from the subdivision. There will still be a significant amount of grading and road restoration work to take place, which includes curb, gutter, and sidewalk and a smooth road surface. Some of that work will take place next spring. You will also start to see the long, large black pipe being removed and placed farther to the north and west, as the bypass pumps in this location are discontinued.
420 West Street being prepped to re-open the end of this week.
A few weeks ago, we indicated that an important element of the construction project is the quality control and testing of the pipe. Here are two images of tools that are used to perform quality control and testing. The first is a large, deflated rubber bladder. Two of these are placed inside the pipe and then inflated to form a tight seal with a joint in between. Air is pumped into the pipe section, placed under pressure and the seal is held for a brief period of time. This description of the process is simplified, but if the pressure holds, the seal is good and passes inspection. If the pressure reduces, the seal is bad and then must be repaired.
The second picture is that of a small robot camera used to travel the length of the pipe to provide a visual inspection. The camera head is able to rotate 360 degrees and view all aspects of the inside of the pipe. The robot camera also records the journey down the pipe and serves as a visual record of the quality and cleanliness of the pipe prior to the contractor turning it over to the owner, or in this case the Timpanogos Special Service District (TSSD).
Pipe being set into place from the ground into the trench.
Update - November 8, 2024
This week 90 linear feet of pipe was installed and about the same amount back filled and covered. This brings the total to about 1600 linear feet of pipe laid and covered. The contractor is now beyond 420 West Street which should be re-opened next week. The project will continue to move northwest into the farmland and away from the subdivision. There will still be a significant amount of grading and road restoration work to take place, which includes curb, gutter and sidewalk and a smooth road surface. Some of that work will take place next spring.
One tool the contractor has used to make the process go faster is the use of slide rail retaining walls. This allows the excavation process to move much faster because each framework piece attaches to the next and can be removed when ready with minimal disturbance to the backfilled trench. This slide rail keeps the dirt sidewalls from caving in and provides a safer working environment for the contractor.
Update - November 1, 2024 - The light at the end of the tunnel!!
This week 180 linear feet of pipe was installed and about the same amount back filled and covered. Here are a few images and explanation of the pipe laying process. In these four images we show the process of pouring a manhole into place. First a rebar cage is formed and placed around a Hobas T. Then concrete is poured around the T to keep it secured in place. The long yellow straps are connected to a beam inside the pipe to keep it elevated enough to allow concrete to flow beneath the pipe. The last two pictures are of the riser, which is placed over the opening in the pipe, allows TSSD employees to access the pipe, if needed, from the ground surface level, hence the built-in ladder.
Along with placing the pipe, an equally important part of this project, is the removal of the old pipe. The contractor has to first remove the old pipe as a part of the process of trenching for the new pipe. The new pipe is larger and deeper, thus providing more sewer flow capacity to the existing TSSD sewer plant. The old pipe is crushed and hauled away.
This is a really good sign, the backfill and compaction of the newly laid pipe. It is significant in that it indicates the major heavy work is done!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Where has this project been and where it is going? Moving from the southeast area, south of the existing home, the project continues to move northwest, away from the houses and into the farmland. To be sure, the inconveniences to the residential neighborhood have been real, even as all necessary mitigation was attempted. The disruptions to the new areas, such as the farmlands, are no less challenging. The contractor will continue to work hard to minimize impacts such as use/access of land, noise, dust and vibrations. The project team greatly appreciates the patience and cooperation of everyone involved, especially those closest to the work zones. Thank you!!
Update - October 24, 2024 - It's all about the seal!!
This week 100 linear feet of pipe was installed and about the same amount back filled and covered. Here are a few images and explanation of the pipe laying process.
Inspecting the pipe before it is lifted into the trench.
Lifting the pipe down into the trench.
Removing any irregularities that would prevent a tight seal.
Preparing to make the next connection.
Ground water infiltration is one of the challenges with laying large pipe where the water table is high. Using compressed air, gages and large rubber bladders that act as a temporary plugs, the pipe is placed under pressure to make sure the pipe joints are sealed and set properly. If the pipe joints are not tight, ground water can enter the pipe and require the sewer treatment plant to process more material than needed. With miles of pipe, even a small number of leaks can add up to thousands of gallons of extra and unwanted water in the treatment plant to be processed. This can add additional and unnecessary costs.
Update - October 17, 2024
The contractor is making great progress. In the last week there have been 270 lineal feet of pipe laid. Right now, the contactor is averaging between 40 and 50 feet a day. It is anticipated that progress will continue, though the wet and colder weather season is now here which can slow progress. The slide rail system is working well, and there is only one more north/south street in the neighborhood to cross - 420 West.
Last week we mentioned how complicated this project is - ground water, working in confined spaces, road crossings, existing utilities, etc. That is just to get the pipe in the ground at the right depth and the correct slope. In addition to all that, the contractor and the engineers need to assure that the pipe is still round and that all the pipe joint connections are sealed properly. There is a test for everything. Large balloons or bladders are used to seal sections of the pipe, pressurized air is pumped into the pipe section and then tested for leaks. The Hobas pipe is strong, but there is also a test with a mandrel (a circular calibration device) to check that the pipe remains round within a certain degree of tolerance. If the pipe becomes compressed, oval or out of round it can lead to weakness in the pipe or impact the flow line of this gravity fed system. And although this is a very large sewer pipe, it also has to be cleaned of any construction debris, dirt, water bottles, lunch sacks, articles of clothing, etc. so that the flow line is assured.
Next week, there will be an isolated temporary culinary water disruption on Monday and Tuesday, October 21 & 22 from the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the contractor works on the water line. Those homes that will be impacted have been notified.
Update - October 10, 2024 - It's complicated!!
The contractor is currently crossing 380 West at about 900 South with the 60-inch Hobas pipe. In this roadway there are numerous utilities that must be accommodated or worked around. Some are capped and then fed from another direction, others are temporarily shut off until the pipe and the work zone are passed the involved utilities. One of the complications working through existing utility trenches is that they tend to collect water and channel it to the active work zone, making conditions even more complicated.
In the last six days about 110 feet of new pipe has been laid, and 120 feet of previously laid pipe has been backfilled and partially covered. The contractor continues to make good forward progress and is hopeful to be out of the residential area by the first part of November.
In the image below you can see water pouring into the pipe trench from the right side, just to the right and a little below the hanging hose. At times there are more than 500 gallons of water per minute flowing into the work area, of which, that water must be pumped out and directed out of the work area. Without the heavy steal sidewall shoring, these trenches would collapse and making trench work nearly impossible and dangerous for construction workers.
In this image you can see heavy concrete blocks sitting on top of the pipe. These blocks are temporarily placed on top of the pipe so that when the CLSM or flowable fill are placed around the pipe, the pipe stays in place and does not float upward and get out of alignment. Once there is enough weight on the pipe, the blocks are removed.
A new manhole has been placed and ready to receive the next section of pipe.
Update - October 3, 2024
It has been a productive seven days since the last update. The contractor was able to dig and lay 240 feet of trench and pipe. One new Hobas T and one box utility access were installed. An additional 240 feet of trench was backfilled over the recently installed pipe. If progress continues at this rate, this section of pipe will be completed, and the contractor will be out of the residential area by the end of the month. Here are some photos from the job site and specific details of certain aspects of the project.
Down in the pipe trench the workers are placing bedding gravel for the pipe to rest on before another section of pipe is added and backfilled around the pipe. The workers use a laser level to make sure that each section of pipe is placed at the right depth. This is a gravity flow pipe, meaning the pipe contents is not pumped, but relies on gravity to flow from the source point to the Timpanogos Special Service District treatment plant - further southeast where the pipe is currently being installed. The laser level also helps assure the angle or the right grade is achieved so that the pipe contents will flow properly and unobstructed.
Here the workers are inspecting the rubber gasket that provides a tight seal to reduce the possibility of any leakage.
Here is a utility access point before the stand pipe cones or rings are placed over the opening so the pipe can be accessed later if needed by maintenance workers. You can also see the CLSM ( controlled low-strength material- like a super runny concrete mix) which is used to backfill immediately around the pipe zone. CLSM is used because it is self-leveling, fills all the voids, and provides a solid base for more compactible material to be placed on top of it.
Here is a picture of a Hobas T elevated above the pipe to provide safe access in the future if needed for maintenance and inspection purposes.
Update - September 26, 2024
We are excited to report a nice project status update - since starting in the middle of June the contractor has placed 759 lineal feet of Hobas pipe, backfilled approximately 500 lineal feet and 120 lineal feet of Hobas pipe since last week. That is great progress. As of this date, weather and supplies permitting, it is anticipated the contractor will be out of the residential area the first part of November with the trench excavation, piping placement and backfilling. There will still be some residual site cleanup and grading, but it is hopeful the heavy construction and loud noises will be done.
We are providing a few more photos of the work zone.
Back filling around the Hobas T - pipe access
Compacting around pipe zone
Preparing pipe bedding and ready to lay the next section
Update - September 19, 2024
The contractor continues to make good progress on the excavation, placement of pipe and backfilling the deep trench. More detail on the Hobas T Pipe is provided from pictures down in the pipe trench zone. The rebar cage was set into place last week and concrete will be poured on Friday.
Another detail of interest is the flowable fill or CLSM used to backfill around the pipe zone. Controlled low-strength material (also known as CLSM) is poured onto the pipe. As the name suggests, it is low strength or concrete of a lesser strength, that adds weight and provides an encasing function around and on top of the pipe before dirt is placed back into the pipe trench to bring it back up to the surrounding grade.
It is anticipated that the new pipe placement through this section of the residential subdivision will be complete toward the end of November.
Additional work updates
There have been some changes to which roads are now open and which are closed. 250 West is open. There are still large steel plates and a little asphalt bump. This is not the permanent reconstruction of 250 West.
The temporary main line sewer bypass pipes are still functioning and are still minimally buried to allow traffic to pass over these pipes. Once the new large 60" pipe is in place and functioning, the temporary bypass pumps will be removed, and the road will be reconstructed without bumps or large steel plates. This will likely happen early next Spring.
In addition, the intersection of 910 South, 370 West and 380 West is now closed and will remain closed until the new 60" sewer line passes through this section of roadway.
Update - September 11, 2024
This week the contractor continues to excavate, lay pipe and backfill the open trench. Of particular interest this week is the placement of a Hobas pipe T (see picture below), which provides access and maintenance opportunity along a straight run of pipe, whereas a concrete man-hole is placed in the pipeline at angle points or where another pipe is entering from a perpendicular direction.
Ongoing Work
This week the contractor is also working on the pressurized irrigation system in 250 West. In order to accomplish this work, there will be a temporary shut off of the pressurized irrigation system for the entire day on Thursday, September 12th. A 24 hour advance notice was given to those homes being impacted on Wednesday, September 11th. This is for pressurized irrigation only and will not impact the drinking water (culinary system).
In addition, the contractor is working to restore the 250 West road section for vehicle access. The goal is to have this completed by the end of next week - September 20th.
Update - September 5, 2024
This past week the contractor made excellent progress by laying 135 feet of new 60-inch sewer pipe. Their system of using slide rail trench retention, processing fugitive ground water, excavation and backfilling on top of the pipe is really starting to come together. This equates to laving about forty feet of pipe per day.
Ongoing Work
Next week the contractor will be working on the pressurized irrigation system in 250 West. In order to accomplish this work, there will be a temporary shut off of the pressurized irrigation system for the entire day on Thursday, September 12th. A 24 hour advance notice will be given to those homes being impacted on Wednesday, September 11th. This is for pressurized irrigation only and will not impact the drinking water (culinary system).
Update - August 29, 2024
The contractor has changed trench retention methods from traditional fixed trench boxes to a slide rail system, which should allow the contractor to make more steady progress. The new system allows for new sections of trench retention panels to be added to the vertical posts, slid into place, and keep extending out towards the desired working direction.
The utility work on 250 West is mostly done. The contractor reconnected a looped water line and Dominion Energy is re-establishing some of its gas lines. This is all in preparation to eventually replace the curb, gutter, sidewalk and asphalt in the 250 West road alignment. Thank you for your patience and understanding to those few homes that had a disruption of water service for several hours during the day this last Tuesday.
With Monday being Labor Day the contractor will not be working on the job site. School children and many others will also be enjoying the holiday, we ask parents to keep curious children away from the active work zone. Your continued safety and caution is greatly appreciated.
Update - August 23, 2024 A cautionary reminder
With children now in school and with them walking to and from school bus stops - pedestrian safety and keeping an eye out for large construction vehicles, even away from the construction zone, is very important. While most of the heavy equipment will be near, in and around the active construction zone, there will still be construction traffic and some equipment on the local residential streets. Sundt Construction is working with their construction crews and sub-contractors to be on the watch for pedestrians of all ages, kids on scooter and other motorized vehicles. For neighbors and local residents your vigilance and caution are also greatly appreciated.
This week the contractor continues to focus on back filling the trenches where the new sewer line pipe has been placed. The two large black pipes function as the temporary sewer bypass system as the old pipe is removed and as the new pipe is put into place. The contractor has also been working on stabilizing the double pipes as these are located in close proximity to the new pipe trench.
Crews are also working on restoring the road and utility connections in 250 West. Early next week the goal will be to make continued progress with re-establishing the road and utilities. This will require a temporary water shut off on Tuesday, August 27th for a few hours in the middle of the day. Those who will be directly impacted will receive a 24-hour notice in advance of the shut-off. The notice will contain specific details of the shut-off and suggested preparations during that time.
Towards the end of next week, the contractor will continue with the deep trenching work to lay more pipe.
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Update - August 15, 2024
This week the contractor has focused on back filling the trenches where the new sewer line pipe has been placed. The two large black pipes function as the temporary sewer bypass system as the old pipe is removed and as the new pipe is put into place. The contractor has also been working on stabilizing the double pipes as these are located in close proximity to the new pipe trench.
Crews are also working on restoring the road and utility connections in 250 West. Early next week the goal will be to make continued progress with re-establishing the road and utilities. This will require a temporary water shut off on Tuesday, August 20th for a few hours in the middle of the day. Those who will be directly impacted will receive a 24-hour notice in advance of the shut-off. The notice will contain specific details of the shut-off and suggested preparations during that time.
Towards the end of next week the contractor will continue with the deep trenching work to lay more pipe.
Update - August 8, 2024
Sundt Construction continues to make good progress on the trench and pipe work.
The major update for this week and next is the contractor will bring on a second crew to work on the west side of the project and move in a northwest direction. They will also start working until 7 pm, Monday through Saturday in order to keep on schedule to finish this area by the first part of September.
With the extra crews, longer workdays and now school starting soon, the construction zone and surrounding side streets will be more congested. Please be cautious and slow down on local streets near the construction zone, be mindful of traffic control devices, detour and warning signs. Your continued patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated and keeps everyone safe.
Update - July 25, 2024
Sundt Construction has made good forward progress in the last few days. From the first picture on the left, ground water is visible, which is why there are additional pumps continuously running to reduce as much ground water as possible from the trench and pipe zone. The ground water makes deep trench work even more challenging. From the picture on the right, the contractor has placed a line on the ground, marking out anticipated trenching for the next few days.
As proximate residents, your continued patience from construction related noise and dust is greatly appreciated, in addition to keeping a safe distance from the work zones. Again, the goal is to be finished with this area by the first of September of this year.
Update - July 19, 2024
A challenging part of the project in this area has finally been achieved, the placement of a very large manhole. This is a critical component, as the lay of the land is very flat. This section of sewer pipe is gravity flow, literally following a very flat slope. The placement of the manhole is significant as it helps determine the slope and depth of future pipe sections. Now that this critical piece is in place, you should start to see more trenching and additional pipe sections being installed, backfilled and compacted.
Although next week is July 24th and a local celebration of Pioneer Day, the contractor will be working, so the construction zone will be active. Please continue to avoid the active construction zone and other areas that have been blocked off by the orange caution fence.
Looking a bit further in the future, the contractor has a projected goal to be completed through the Woodside Homes development by the first of September. If you do have questions or comments related to this project, please reach out via the hotline or email address.
Update - July 12, 2024
The contractor has started laying the 54 inch pipe in the trenches. Please be mindful and stay out of the construction area. These large open trenches will continue to be barricaded with the orange plastic grid fencing. As old pipe is removed and the new pipe installed, the trenches will be backfilled and compacted. The active construction zone will include excavators, dump trucks and water trucks, along with other construction equipment. It is critical to stay clear of these areas whether there is active construction or not.
In order to stay on schedule and move away from the residential areas as quickly as possible, the construction crews will also be working on Saturdays through September. It is anticipated that this work will be during regular construction hours.
Update - June 28, 2024
This week the deep trenching has commenced. These large open trenches will continue to be barricaded with the orange plastic grid fencing. As old pipe is removed and the new pipe installed, the trenches will be backfilled and compacted. The active construction zone will include excavators, dump trucks and water trucks, along with other construction equipment. It is critical to stay clear of these areas whether there is active construction or not.
With the 4th of July holiday approaching, construction crews will secure the active construction zones as much as can be. Crews will not be working Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th. Work will commence again on Monday, July 8th. In order to stay on schedule and move away from the residential areas as quickly as possible, the construction crews will also be working on Saturdays through September. It is anticipated that this work will be during regular construction hours.
UPDATE - June 13, 2024
The construction zone is increasingly getting more complicated with numerous elements of the construction now in full swing. The temporary bypass pumps are now functioning. Pumping sewage from the large mainline that goes to the Timpanogos Special Service District through the large blue box shaped pumps and then into the two large, plastic, parallel lines and then back into the mainline. These bypass lines are mostly above ground, except where they cross local roads, and in those instances, they are placed in temporary trenches through the road, covered with large steel plates.
There are ground water pumps lowering the nearby water table to facilitate trench excavation. Trench digging will commence in the very near future. The large sections of permanent pipe are now being delivered on site. This permanent pipe is a corrosion resistant HOBAS (manufacturer) centrifugally cast, fiberglass-reinforced, polymer mortar pipe systems - designed to last a very long time.
With all this construction, it is important to keep clear of these areas, even if there is no active or visible work. The construction area is not safe for kids, walking dogs and/or motorcycles - all of which have been reported in the area. We apologize for the disruption of this work. Your continued patience and caution will help the project move forward and wrap up as quickly as possible. If you have questions or concerns, you are encouraged to reach out through the hotline or email.
UPDATE - May 30, 2024
At this time, there are open trenches across roads and sidewalks in the construction zone to enable placement of the pipe. There are barricades and signage to keep the public away from these areas. Please stay out of the active construction area.
This coming week the contractor will be working on the following items in the Woodside Homes Development.
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Installation of a Manhole
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Begin installation of the 54 inch mainline sewer pipe
Note: Schedules are subject to change due to weather and materials availability.
UPDATE - May 23, 2024
This coming week the contractor will be working on the following items in the Woodside Homes Development.
Schedule for May 28th:
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Saw cut the road for bypass pumping
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Excavate for bypass pumping pipe road crossing
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Install bypass pumping
Schedule for June 7th:
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Begin installation of the 54 inch mainline sewer pipe
Note: Schedules are subject to change due to weather and materials availability.
UPDATE - May 14, 2024
As the contractor brings heavy equipment into the work zone and starts removing vegetation and digging trenches, more orange grid fence will be installed. This is placed as a bright line of distinction to stay away from, as these areas are the "active work zone" and can be hazardous due to uneven surfaces, deep trenches and heavy equipment. With warmer weather and children being done with school, we remind parents to keep their children from getting too close to these areas or crossing the orange fence and entering the active work zone. Our goal is to have the contractor work as efficiently as possible to minimize disruption to surrounding properties, but safety in and around the work zone is also a very high priority. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
UPDATE- May 7, 2024
This week the contractor (Sundt Construction) has mobilized (bringing heavy construction equipment on site) and will start clearing and grubbing (removing vegetation) the project area in preparation for digging the trench for the sewer from Lehi to the American Fork TSSD facility. Much of this work will be between 570 West and 100 West - though there will be frequent construction equipment traffic on adjacent surface roads. It is anticipated that trenching will commence the week of May 15th and continue for several weeks. Part of the construction work will require de-watering (a process to lower the water table to keep the trenches from filling full of water) and temporary by-pass piping (the sewer has to keep flowing in transition from the old pipe to the new pipe) which in turn will require pumps that will run continuously (24/7) for this segment of construction. The pumps are electric and will run by way of a generator, so there will be some noise associated with the pumping operation. It is not anticipated that the pumps or generators will be overly loud or beyond normal suburban background noise levels. As the sewer pipe is installed the work will continue along the Current Work Zone corridor (see map).
Grubbing will take place in the open fields
Trenching will take place south of the subdivision homes
Temporary by-pass piping
Temporary by-pass pumps
The new permanent pipe to be installed
UPDATE - April 11, 2024
This coming week you will see crews working between 570 West and 100 West (see map). Work will consist of contractor mobilization, survey and utility location work.
