Planning Underway for Water Street Infrastructure Project in 2018

Following discussions with utility providers and an assessment of the use of trenchless technology to address the aging water and sewer infrastructure along Water Street, the City of St. John’s is now prepared to move forward with plans for a rehabilitation program, beginning in 2018.

The first phase of the five-year plan will occur on the west end of Water Street between Queen Street and Bishop’s Cove. City engineering staff are currently working with CBCL Limited to pre-qualify contractors in December and award the contract in early 2018 to facilitate work being able to start in early spring.

“The goal is to have the major work completed before the peak of each tourist season to minimize disruption,” explained Councillor Dave Lane. “This is in response to feedback we have received from the Downtown Stakeholder Committee and others in the past two years as we have prepared for this complicated and extensive project.”

In 2015, the City of St. John’s started work to prepare for the replacement of the water and sewer infrastructure along Water Street. It was expected the project would start in 2016 and run for three to five years. While the project is necessary, there were many concerns expressed about the impact of such a significant tear up. So, in the fall of 2015 the City established a Downtown Stakeholder Committee to share and discuss information related to the project and seek input from them. Ultimately, a recommendation to delay the project was made and in December 2016 the City announced opportunities to rehabilitate the majority of the water and sewer infrastructure on Water Street using trenchless technologies.

“While the use of trenchless technology will minimize the need for extensive tear-ups along this busy and important street, traditional open excavation will also be required,” said Councillor Lane. “Our goal is to minimize the impacts, ensuring that vehicle and pedestrian access are maintained to the extent possible throughout the project’s complete timeline.”

The City will communicate extensively in the preparation and construction phases, using its website and engagement site to share project information and updates. Details about the project are currently available at engagestjohns.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca