Earth-shaking explosions are expected to rock, if only slightly, northern Albemarle County Monday morning as crews break ground for a new drinking water line.
Three blasts are planned along Old Rio Mills Road just north of the Rivanna River, with the first to start at 10 a.m.
Before each blast a siren will sound, according to the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority. The authority added that each blast may produce an explosion registering as loud as 120 decibels, as well as minor ground vibrations.
The work will require intermittent traffic delays.
"Immediately before the controlled blast, a temporary road closure may occur on the Berkmar Drive Bridge over the South Fork Rivanna River as a safety precaution," the authority said in a statement announcing the work. "The closure will occur roughly five minutes before detonation. Berkmar Drive will reopen after the blast has occurred."
Monday’s blasts are part of the $6 million South Rivanna River Crossing Project linking the South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant to Hollymead Town Center with a 24-inch water pipe.
"The project aims to enhance the capacity, redundancy, and resilience of the local water infrastructure," according to the water and sewer authority. "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."
Charlottesville-based Faulconer Construction Company was awarded the project in September 2024. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2027.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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