Faulconer Construction begins rock blasting for water pipeline project in Charlottesville, Va.

(UI) — Controlled rock blasting began this week on Old Rio Mills Road as part of a Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) project to install a new drinking water pipeline serving the Route 29 North area.

Faulconer Construction, the project contractor, carried out the initial blasts on July 28 using small charges to break rock beneath the road. The work included drilling, laying heavy mats to contain debris and temporarily closing Berkmar Drive Bridge over the South Fork Rivanna River for safety.

A localized siren will sound before each blast, which may reach 120 decibels and cause minor ground vibrations, according to RWSA. As a safety precaution, Berkmar Drive Bridge over the South Fork Rivanna River will temporarily close about five minutes before each detonation and reopen shortly afterward.

The work is part of the South Rivanna River Crossing Project, which will install a 24-inch water main beneath the South Fork Rivanna River and Old Rio Mills Road. The new pipeline will supplement an existing 12-inch crossing and is intended to boost drinking water capacity and reliability for northern Albemarle County communities.

RWSA awarded the $6 million project to Faulconer Construction in September 2024. Completion is expected by January 2027.

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