Subaqueous Drilling in the Charleston Peninsula
The project scope generally consisted of the design and construction of a water transmission main between North Charleston and West of the Ashley River. The project replaced a 24-inch waterline that was taken out of service approximately a decade ago due to persistent leaks. The project consisted of extending approximately 15,067 LF of 36-inch diameter water main from the existing 24-inch diameter water main located along West Montague Avenue to the existing 36-inch diameter water main located along Hwy 61 and continue to the Bees Ferry Water Storage Facility in West Ashley – stretching approximately 2.8 miles total. Approximately 4,700 LF of the project consisted of 36-inch steel waterline installed via HDD under the Ashley River from West Ashley to North Charleston and approximately 600 LF of steel casing was installed via jack & bore under major road ways and protected trees.
The new water line improves reliability in the system and provides for future growth. Project featured numerous design innovations, equipment and material selection such as:
- Planning for the future; design provisions for growth in West Ashley; short and long-term utility goal identification;
- Selection of eco-sensitive materials;
- Environmental and public considerations/impacts, river and wetlands; accountability;
- Resiliency measures; impressed current cathodic protection system and accountability meter vault, redundancy between North Charleston and West Ashley;
- Public outreach/communication; traffic/road closures, utility impacts, etc.; and
- Subaqueous drilling in a coastal community.
AECOM, in association with Hussey Gay Bell, provided engineering design, plan preparation, permitting, assisted with easement acquisition, pre-qualifying contractors, bidding, award, and construction administration and observation.