Albemarle County, VA… August 15, 2025… The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority is preparing to enter the next construction phase for a replacement raw water pipeline from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the Observatory Water Treatment Plant.
Beginning next week, contractors will perform controlled blasting in a wooded area on UVA property between Hereford Drive and 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.
Three blasts are planned. The first blast is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 18. A second blast is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 and a third blast is scheduled for Friday, August 22. 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. Prior to 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.
No road closures are anticipated next week. Temporary recreational trail closures may occur on the O-Hill Long Downhill, Fontaine Multi-Use Path, and Gravel Doubletrack trails.
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.