August 12, 2025 Update: The contractor continues to excavate rock along Old Rio Mills Road. More rock than initially expected was discovered, which has temporarily delayed the road’s reopening. Several controlled blasts were carried out in late July to help speed up the work. Current estimates suggest that the road will reopen this fall.
Background
The South Rivanna River Crossing Project links the South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant to Hollymead Town Center by installing a new 24-inch water pipe below the South Fork Rivanna River and Old Rio Mills Road. This new pipe will augment the existing 12-inch river crossing pipe, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh drinking water to northern Albemarle County communities. The project aims to enhance the capacity, redundancy, and resilience of the local water infrastructure.
Faulconer Construction Company of Charlottesville was awarded the project in September 2024. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2027. The project’s total cost is $6 million.
Project Specific Press Releases
July 25, 2025 Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority’s Contractor to Begin Blasting Rock on Old Rio Mills Road
March 28, 2025 Old Rio Mills Road Closure
March 20, 2025 Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority Begins Work on the South Rivanna River Crossing Pipeline
