View the original press release here.
Charlottesville, VA… July 22, 2026… Later this week, contractors will perform a controlled blast on Foxhaven Farm property to make room for a new 36″ raw water line. The blast will occur just north of Reservoir Rd. Blasting will 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 will be obtained from the State Fire Marshall prior to the event.
The blast is scheduled to occur on Friday, July 24, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 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.
Temporary recreational trail closures will occur on the property.
Background
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.
The current branch of pipe that is being worked on will connect the new water piping to the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir to Ragged Mountain Reservoir Raw Water Pipeline Project.
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 2025 – A public information meeting was held to inform nearby residents about the upcoming project
- March 2025 – The contractor began clearing trees along the pipeline’s future path
- May 2025 – Hereford Dr was closed between McCormick Rd and Stadium Rd to install the new 36″ pipe under the road.
- August 2025 – Hereford Dr was repaved and reopened to traffic. Controlled blasting occurred in a wooded area on UVA property between Hereford Dr and Fontaine Ave
- December 2025 – Controlled blasting occurred along Reservoir Rd
- January & February 2026 – Controlled blasting occurred on Heyward Community Forest Property.
- March 2026 – Construction began on a new pump station along Reservoir Rd