Tennessee American Water has completed installing 600 feet of new pipe on Hixson Pike at the intersection of Lupton Drive, to replace the 1950s-era pipe which had experienced its most recent break on July 25.
This week, the pipes are being flushed and the water is being tested to assure it meets drinking water standards as well as needed pressure for fire protection.
The flushing and testing are multi-day processes and involve taking samples and testing at various fire hydrants on surrounding streets. Tennessee American Water is also rebuilding the road in areas where it can at this point in time, with the bulk of the restoration taking place the following two weeks, starting the week of Aug. 13.
As early as this Saturday, or on Monday, depending on final test results, Tennessee American Water will tie over to the new pipe. During this step, customers in the area will have reduced pressure or no water for about three hours while the water company transitions from the old main to the new main. Tennessee American Water will send out a notification to customers through its communication system, CodeRed, to alert customers when this will occur. This means customers will receive a call, text, email or all of the above, based on the contact information they have provided the water company.
Tennessee American Water has coordinated with the City of Chattanooga’s Department of Transportation on traffic plans until the work is complete. The Hamilton County School system start date of Wednesday has been a consideration for plans, in particular the traffic route of Rivermont Elementary School near the worksite.
“We appreciate the community’s patience while we complete this project which will help prevent future breaks in the same area,” said Tennessee American Water engineering manager Kurt Stafford. “Safety of the community and of the workers on-site are top priorities. We urge commuters to stay extra alert when driving on Hixson Pike near Lupton Drive going either direction.”
After reviewing the age of the pipe, the location of the pipe and a main break on this pipe earlier this year, Tennessee American Water’s engineering team decided to replace the pipe before the road is restored to help avoid future breaks and disruptions to water service and traffic. The new pipe is 12 inches in diameter, replacing the eight-inch pipe. Approximately 600 feet of new main has been installed.