![\"sanitary_sewer_work_map\"](\"http:\/\/theraleighcommons.org\/raleighpublicrecord\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/sanitary_sewer_work_map-771x453.jpg\")
<\/a>Provided by City of Raleigh<\/p><\/div>\n
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in April, just as the request for proposals are released for contractors for phase two. Phase two is expected to be completed in 2017. <\/p>\n
Funding for the project will come mostly from utility fees, but about $17 million will be through a state loan program. <\/p>\n
Councilors listened to an explanation of the project at their first work session meeting Tuesday. <\/p>\n
The basin carries 20 million gallons of wastewater every day. More than 70 percent of the city\u2019s sanitary sewer overflows happen in this basin, and the primary issue is lack of wet weather capacity. Although the city\u2019s sanitary and stormwater systems are separate, rainwater often makes its way into the sanitary sewer lines. Heavy storms exacerbate the problem. <\/p>\n
\u201cGrowth was a factor,\u201d project manager Eileen Navarrete said of the project, \u201cbut growth was not the driver.\u201d
![\"Crews](\"http:\/\/theraleighcommons.org\/raleighpublicrecord\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/sanitary_sewer_work-336x492.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo provided by City of Raleigh.<\/p>
Crews work on sewer lines in this photo used during a city presentation about the changes. <\/p><\/div><\/p>\n
There are a number of areas where crews won\u2019t be able to dig the 30-foot trenches needed to install the pipes, such as under Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest Road and the Beltline. Navarrete said the city will need to hire a second contractor who can use microtunnelling technology to tunnel in these areas. <\/p>\n
While this project will impact the public in a number of ways, blasting, Navarrete said, was the biggest concern among the residents she spoke with at public meetings. To lessen the impact, Navarrete told Councilors the department is minimizing the strength of the blast that contractors will be allowed to use. Blasting mats will also be used to keep debris from flying into the air. <\/p>\n
The Public Utilities Department will also be required to close lanes, streets and stretches of greenway during construction. The closures aren\u2019t expected to happen until 2015; an exact timeframe hasn\u2019t been determined. <\/p>\n
One of the biggest roadway impacts will be at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Hodges Street, where an intersecting water line will have to be diverted so the sanitary sewer pipe can be installed. Public utilities staff are looking for ways to avoid closing down the entire intersection. <\/p>\n
\u201cHodges Street is the only road we expect to close entirely,\u201d wrote Navarrete in an follow-up email to the Record. \u201c It will be closed for two months so the microtunnel can be installed underneath the CSX railroad, and then the larger closure will last about six months, but will be a \u2018rolling\u2019 closure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Public utilities staff have already reached out to area businesses. Shoppers will still have access during that time. <\/p>\n
To minimize the amount of easements the city would need, \u201cwe tried to utilize greenway and city property where ever we can,\u201d Navarrete said. The downside to using public property is that portions of greenway will be temporarily closed. <\/p>\n
The public communication effort will include public meetings, mailed notices to property owners within 1,500 feet of the project, social media and email campaigns, website updates, and door hangers. Informational and educational signs will be posted on the affected greenways. <\/p>\n
The city will also offer public meetings with blasting experts, digital message boards, pre-blast surveys and YouTube videos. <\/p>\n
Exploris Pulls Lease Request<\/strong> Karen Tam \/ Raleigh Public Record<\/p> The old Salvation Army building sits across from Moore Square. The Salvation Army has moved to a new location on Capitol Boulevard. <\/p><\/div><\/p>\n
\nExploris Charter School officials have pulled a request to use the former Salvation Army building as the location for a temporary elementary school. ![\"The](\"http:\/\/theraleighcommons.org\/raleighpublicrecord\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/mooresq11-336x226.jpg\")
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