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McAlpine Relief Sewer Improvement Project
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General Information
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department (CMUD) is installing a new sewer pipeline along McAlpine Creek from the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to Lawyers Road.
This project will enhance system performance, provide increased sewer capacity for present and future needs, and protect the water quality in McAlpine Creek.
What causes sewer spills? Grease and tree roots cause more than 70% of sewer spills.
Phases 1 and 2 are complete.
- The sewer pipe is 78-inches in diameter at I-485, 72-inches in diameter at Highway 51, and 66-inches near Colony Road.
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Phase 3 is scheduled to begin construction around summer 2012.
- CMUD's Construction Presentation and Park & Recreation Notes from February 7, 2011 public meeting. There will be more public meetings before construction begins.
- Detailed map of Phase 3 (not including pipe installation work beside Irvin's Creek at McAlpine Creek).
- The sewer pipe is 66-inches in diameter at Colony Road, 54-inches in diameter at Sardis Road, and 36-inches at Independence Boulevard (Hwy 74).
- Crews will tunnel under roads that go over McAlpine Creek.
Sewer Construction and Restoration Near McAlpine Creek Greenway and Park
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department (CMUD) is installing a large wastewater pipe under the McAlpine Creek Greenway and Park during 2013 or later. Sections of both the greenway and park will be closed around the construction area.
During a February 2011 public meeting, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department discussed the restoration options for the McAlpine Park, including trails beside the creek. Utilities will restore park and greenway to original elevation and rebuild disturbed trails along an alignment determined by Park and Recreation within the construction right of way.
The existing trails are loose gravel which flow into the creek during heavy rains. Reapplying gravel costs the county over $50,000 a year. Tons of gravel washed into the creek causes environmental damage, negatively affecting the creek and aquatic life. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is planning to install asphalt over the crushed stone base to minimize maintenance costs and negative impacts on the creek. Park and Recreation planning staff met with a focus group of runners and coaches on July 21, 2011 about the potential for creating new natural surface trails to supplement the greenway. Operation of the existing 5K will be maintained with minor revisions. Approximately 2 miles of new natural surface trails are being planned and may be available before the start of sewer construction. The general feeling was that the resulting combination of trail facilities being planned would be better and offer more options than the current facilities.
Park and Recreation was asked to consider soft-rubber options for the greenway trail, but the high cost, on-going maintenance issues and the need to eliminate bicycle traffic on these surfaces makes them inappropriate for a greenway trail.
CMUD and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department will work to minimize construction impacts and maintain access to the 5K running trails in the McAlpine Park trails during August 1st through December 15th to accommodate running events. The construction area will be fenced for safety.
Why is this project necessary?
Improvements will increase sanitary sewer capacity to meet current and future needs. These pipes will reduce the risk of sewer overflows and protect water quality in McAlpine Creek.
Will my water or sewer services be disrupted during construction?
Disruptions to water and/or sewer services are not expected. If a service interruption becomes necessary, affected customers will be notified in advance.
How will I know when construction is nearing my property?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department will reach residents and property owners through letters, email updates via website "notify me," and public meetings. If you have general questions about our engineering projects, email us or call 704-399-2221.
Will traffic be impacted?
The existing sewer lines are built along McAlpine Creek so the majority of the work will not impact roadways. When the pipe improvements must cross a street, engineers have planned for many of the major thoroughfares to be tunneled so traffic is not disrupted.
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