Overview
Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility will install a new water main is to improve reliability and provide redundancy in the downtown water distribution system. Construction is expected to last about one month. Trenchless construction methods will be used which means most of the work will occur with minimal excavation. This results in fewer disruptions to utilities, traffic, and adjacent properties; however, there will be temporary road closures and lane restrictions between 5th and 9th Avenues during construction. One lane of G Street will remain open between 5th and 7th Avenues throughout construction but there will be no on-street parking, and the west alley exit from the City Hall parking lot to G Street will be closed because of planned excavation and equipment staging. No water outages are expected.
The contract for construction of the G Street Water Main between 6th and 7th Avenues has been awarded to Frawner Corporation. They expect to start construction in early August and be substantially complete in early September. Frawner Corporation is currently developing a detailed construction schedule.
Why is this water main needed? The new water main is necessary to improve reliability and provide redundancy in the downtown water distribution system. This is especially important given that the existing cast iron main along F Street was constructed in 1947. Should the F Street water main fail, sufficient fire flow to City Hall and the Dena’ina Center would be at risk. In addition, new development is increasing water demand in the area.
How will impacts to downtown businesses be minimized? The G Street Corridor serves City Hall, the People Mover transit center and bus routes, the Performing Arts Center, Dena’ina Convention Center, and Conoco Philips as well as local hotels, restaurants, and special events. AWWU is already meeting with representatives to identify concerns. Understanding local business needs early in the process will allow us to collaborate and to find the best ways to minimize disruptions. Trenchless construction methods will also be used which means most of the work will occur with minimal excavation. This results in fewer disruptions to utilities, traffic, and adjacent properties.
How long will construction take? Construction is expected to last about one month and is scheduled for late this summer (between July and September.)
Will G Street between 6th and 7th be shut down the entire month? No, one lane of G Street will remain open between 6th and 7th Avenue to accommodate local access and the parking garages. A portion of G street, north of 6th Avenue to the alley, is expected to remain closed throughout construction. There will also be temporary lane restrictions and closures on G Street south of 7th Avenue and on 7th Avenue near the intersection of G Street during the different phases of construction. These restrictions will vary from several hours to 3 or 4 days. Detours and advance notice will be provided.
Will there be disruptions to water service? At this time, no disruptions to water service are expected.
Who is the Contractor doing the actual construction? The project is still being designed and should go out to bid sometime in May. When the contractor is selected, additional updates, schedules, and contact information will be provided. With any construction project, there will be temporary disruptions and some unforeseen challenges. AWWU thanks you in advance for your patience and looks forward to working with area stakeholders to provide continued reliable water service to the downtown area.
