Albemarle County, VA… September 2, 2025… Progress continues on Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority’s (RWSA) replacement raw water line from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the Observatory Water Treatment Plant. Blasting and nightwork are scheduled to occur in the coming days and weeks.
Blasting
Later this week, contractors will perform a controlled blast on UVA property, just north of Fontaine Avenue. Blasting is needed to help break and excavate rock more efficiently. All work has been carefully and conservatively designed by RWSA’s consultant engineer to protect property. Blasting permits are obtained from the State Fire Marshall.
The blast is scheduled to occur on Thursday, September 4, at 12:00 p.m. The process involves drilling into rock and setting small charges. Heavy mats are laid across the surface to prevent loose debris from leaving the site. Before each blast, a localized siren will go off to signal the impending detonation. Each blast may generate a sound level up to 120 decibels and cause minor localized ground vibrations.
Due to Fontaine Avenue’s proximity to the blasting site, the road will close five minutes before the blast. It will reopen once the detonations are complete and safety personnel have issued the all-clear. Temporary recreational trail closures will occur on the O-Hill Long Downhill, Fontaine Multi-Use Path, and Gravel Doubletrack trails.
Night Work
Starting the week of September 8, RWSA’s contractor will begin work on crossing Fontaine Avenue. This will require nighttime construction activities. The 36-inch pipe will cross Fontaine Avenue between the 29 Bypass and Ray C. Hunt Drive. The work will occur between 8 PM and 5 AM. Thru traffic is allowed during this period; however, lane closures are expected. All lanes will reopen each morning and remain open throughout the day. Construction has been coordinated with UVA to minimize potential impacts on staff and patients who work or receive care in the Fontaine Research Park. The work is expected to continue through the end of October.
Project Background
Over the next five years, RWSA will invest more than $300 million to enhance our urban raw water storage capabilities, raw water transmission pipelines, treatment facilities, and transmission pipelines for finished water (treated drinking water).
The Ragged Mountain Reservoir to Observatory Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Line Project is a critical component of the Community Water Supply Plan. The project aims to replace two aging 18″ raw water pipes that currently transport raw, untreated water from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the Observatory Water Treatment Plant with a single 36″ pipe. The existing pipes are 70-100+ years old. A detailed routing study for this project was completed in 2021, and easement acquisitions were completed in 2024.
Thalle Construction Company was awarded the project in 2024. The project’s total cost is $61.5 million.
Construction Progress
- December 2024 – Notice to proceed was issued to the contractor
- January 29, 2025 – A public information meeting was held to inform nearby residents about the upcoming project
- March 4, 2025 – The contractor began clearing trees along the pipeline’s future path
- May 27, 2025 – Hereford Drive was closed between McCormick Road and Stadium Road to install the new 36″ pipe under the road.
- August 8, 2025 – Hereford Drive was repaved and reopened to traffic.
- August 18, 2025 – Controlled blasting occurred in a wooded area on UVA property between Hereford Drive and Fontaine Avenue