The City of Savannah completed the replacement and upgrade of their water system in March of 2014. This project consisted of replacing approximately 7,000 linear feet (LF) of existing water distribution mains and service connections along five streets in Savannah, Georgia, ranging in length from 450 feet to 1,800 feet. Included in the project was replacement of existing 2” and 4” water distribution mains with 6”, 8” and 12” pipes, 1,600 LF of a new 16” water main extension, a 200-foot-long bored casing under a railroad, and 700 LF of directionally bored 12” main. All existing water laterals and connections to existing water mains were replaced as well as maintained during construction. Existing water mains were tied to the new mains utilizing tapping sleeves and valves or inserted valves in manholes where dry connections were not feasible.
EMC Engineering Services worked with the City of Savannah in the initial stages of this project to determine the feasibility of using trenchless technology construction methods on each of these streets instead of conventional open cut excavation methods. This was followed up by detailed topographic, boundary and subsurface utility surveys for use in preparing construction plans for each of the streets. Preliminary plans were prepared and reviewed in the field with City personnel to determine exact locations of mains and the means and methods for connections to the existing mains. Construction plans were prepared that included plan and profiles indicating locations of mains, fire hydrants, and valves along with restoration plans for improvements impacted by the construction. City standard detail sheets were also included along with erosion and sedimentation control measures. Detailed bid schedules were prepared for inclusion into the bidding documents and specifications. EMC assisted the City during the bidding process, addressing bidders’ questions and preparing addendums as necessary. Construction phase services provided by EMC included reviews of contractor submittals and pay applications, conducting and preparing minutes of progress meetings, construction observations, and preparation of inspection reports. Close-out documents were prepared for each of the streets that included construction record drawings and review of final pay applications and close-out change orders.
The contractor for the project, Potter Construction Company, performed an outstanding job considering the complexity of the work.