Philadelphia Water Department

Construction Project 3rd & Market Streets Project Summary, November 20, 2012

Event Summary
In October of 2011, PWD became aware of a problem with the sewer on 3rd Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets, as some properties were experiencing drainage problems. PWD investigated what was thought to be a partial and isolated sewer collapse which could be rectified by a point repair by our in-house maintenance crews. Upon discovery of several additional collapses, it was determined a significant section of the sewer would require complete reconstruction and the remainder would receive structural lining. PWD worked diligently to make certain that all repair work that was done would have the least amount of impact on the community and coordinated this work with PGW and PECO to temporarily relocate their existing infrastructure built on top of our sewer. This added complexity to the project.

14'-0" 11'-2" 9'-0" 8'-6" 6'-0" 2'-4" 1'-2"

10'-0" 7'-4" (Varies) 6'-10" 5'-6" 5'-4" 5'-0" 5'-0" 3'-9" 2'-4" 1'-0"

PROPOSED C.I. F.A.I. AND TRAP (TYP.) RECONNECT C.I. TRAP TO EXISTING LATERAL (SEE DETAIL ON THIS SHEET AND SEE SPEC.)

(TO BE ABAND.)
PROPOSED 8" D.I. WATER MAIN, 4'-0" COV. PROPOSED D.I. LATERAL (TYP.) W/BENDS AS REQUIRED PROPOSED 24" DIA. R.C.P. SEWER

(ABAND.)

PROPOSED D.I. LATERAL (TYP.) W/BENDS AS REQUIRED

(TO BE FILLED WITH FLOWABLE FILL)

Components and Timeline

October 2011
PWD sewer failed and inspection/evaluation/point repairs performed

November 2011 December 2011

PWD excavated sections of sewer and determined that a complete replacement from Elbow Lane to Market Street was required with relining of sewer from Market to Chestnut

December 2011
PWD working with PECO (multiple electrical ductbanks) and PGW (6-inch gas main) to design the relocation of their infrastructure

January 2012 April 2012

Design and bidding of construction contract

April 2012 May 2012

PGW relocated its gas main

May 4th 2012 May 25 2012

PWD contractor mobilizes on site, determines that sewer can not be reconstructed due to existing PECO facilities PWD leaves site and turns over control to PECO Contractor

May 26 2012- July 16 2012

PECO removed and relocates their facilities on top of the west curb and sidewalk

July 16 2012 September 22 2012

PWD reconstructs sewer, relines sewer, relocates water main

September 2012 Present

PECO reinstalls its duct banks and reconstructs manholes

December 2012
Street restoration

PWD Our Appreciation and Ongoing Commitment

Our heart goes out to the businesses which have been stoic and accommodating throughout this construction. Our job is to replace aging infrastructure ideally with the minimal possible impact to residents and businesses. In many instances, this can be a Herculean challenge. Recognizing this, we initiated a number of communication protocols including meetings with the businesses, email and regular mail updates, and a webpage to provide the businesses and residents with information on construction progress. In addition, Open for Business signage was installed and flag people were posted at intersections to direct deliveries and parking lot customers. Often in an old city with streets jam packed with aging, underground utilities, it is impossible to dig up and replace an old pipe without the need to temporarily relocate other utilities, which results in a complete disruption to our narrow, urban streets. We liken this work to surgery. Once exposed, everything below the ground is fragile and the work can only be safely accomplished in a studied, deliberate manner. Philadelphia, like other cities across the nation, is making major investments in the renewal of its water mains and sewers. This city was built and continues to thrive upon the foundation of a remarkable, 6000 mile piping network. In order to ensure that our essential water, sewer and stormwater systems continue to provide top quality, reliable service, many miles of pipe will be replaced each year. This work will be inconvenient and for businesses can make their days temporarily challenging. But it is a commitment a pledge that the Water Department has made to protect the long term health and well being of our citizens and environment. To this end, we will continue to work with our partners in the business community.