Aging infrastructure upgrades to reduce sewage to nearby streams begin this week Street closings and detours until May
Graham Street will be closed and Franklin Street traffic impacted during the College Street Rehabilitation and Replacement Project beginning this week, the town announced via emails and on the town website.
The purpose of this project is to reduce the number of sanitary sewer overflows and burst pipes in the downtown area. Work will consist of manhole and pipe replacement.
The sanitary sewer overflows are a result of aging infrastructure that is subject to “inflow” – the direct entry of water into the sewer system from improper connections – and “infiltration” – the leaking of groundwater into the sewer system during wet weather.
These overflows result in the discharge of untreated sewage into nearby creeks and streams.
Construction is expected to continue through summer 2019. During this time, lane closures and a detour will be implemented.
The southbound direction of North Franklin Street will be closed between Depot Street and Graham Street and the northbound direction will be reduced to one lane. Additionally, work will occur in the Depot / North Franklin intersection at night.
Flagging operations in the intersection will occur between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Contracted crews will make every effort to minimize the impact of construction and maintain access to businesses along North Franklin, the town said.
Phase I work areas include segments from the main sewer interceptor along Crab Creek to the Skate Park and from the Depot Street/North Franklin Street intersection to Hickok Street.
Future work includes areas around Depot Street to Radford Street and segments along First Street, Phlegar Street, and College Street.
The project also includes bores under Mill Lane and the Norfolk Southern Railroad as well as two creek crossings.
A map of the affected area is available here: www.christiansburg.org/collegestreet
