The waterline project was approximately 9,250 LF of 42-inch waterline constructed of bar-wrapped steel cylinder pipe with steel pipe within a Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) tunnel section. The project limits included both residential and commercial areas. Approximately 2,500 LF of 12-inch waterline was installed within the residential area to replace an aging 12-inch asbestos cement line. Special provisions were made to protect large mature trees. A 60-inch diameter, 220-foot-long, 40-foot-deep tunnel was installed across the Harris County Flood Control drainage channel at Ludington Drive.

With the roadway bridge identified as critical structure, a specific instrumentation monitoring plan was required, with survey points established adjacent to the bridge structure and caisson. The design included over-sized, extra-depth manholes to provide maintenance and operational access to the waterline and drain lines. A structural impact analysis was performed during design to identify potential impact to the roadway bridge, and structural monitoring requirements were incorporated into the construction documents. The project also included a 60-inch diameter, 140-foot-long, 15-foot-deep tunnel across Fondren Road.

At a glance

9,250 LF of 42″ water line installed by open-cut and tunneling methods

2,500 LF of 12″ water line to replace existing asbestos-cement line along residential street

Construction cost approximately $6.4 million

Construction Notice to Proceed in August 2013; final completion issued August 2014

Project limits included both residential and commercial areas