Water Main Replacement, Phase 1

The City of Salem Utilities Department was in need of a water main replacement in primarily residential areas of the City. The project consisted of the replacement of approximately 3,000 linear feet of six-inch water mains and service connections in three areas of the City, including Fairview Court from Whinnery Road to Whinnery Road, Carole Drive from Merle Road to Whinnery Road and Home Circle from west hydrant to Homewood Avenue.

This project included survey/mapping, preliminary/final design, obtaining permits/approvals, assistance with contract/construction administration, and part-time construction oversight. The designs complied with applicable Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. One design goal was to maximize the water main layout in public right-of-way. Approximately 60 new service taps were provided for all current customers.

Under preliminary design, Benesch assessed the pipe materials (HDPE vs. others) and methodology (open cut vs. direct drilling) to assist the City in making the best long-term decisions for replacement. Benesch prepared applicable permit applications to construct the project, obtained approval from the Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, complied with Columbiana County Conservation District erosion and sediment control requirements, and coordinated excavations with the City Street Department. Benesch provided an opinion of probable costs to the city during design and after completion.

During construction, Benesch managed the contract and provided part-time construction inspection. Specific tasks included: shop drawing review, change order management, milestone documentation, insurance/bonding coordination, remote consultation, final inspection/punchlist, start-up meetings and project documentation management. To assist with construction convenience, Benesch and the City allowed the contractor to use the alternative construction method of direct drilling to install HDPE pipe.