We found out just a couple of days ago about a major public utilities project scheduled to begin “on or before February 8.” The text below is taken from an email from city utilities engineer Roy Nester to someone in the Martha Jefferson neighborhood dated Jan. 27, 2023. It has edited only to remove mistaken references to the Martha Jefferson neighborhood and to reflect the change from email to web post:

As part of our waterline replacement program, the City is about to begin a waterline replacement project along Meriwether Street and 12TH Street NE. This project will extend along from Meriwether from 13th Street NE to the dead end.  The project will also extend along 12th Street NE from Meriwether to E Jefferson Street. The new line 8-inch ductile iron line will replace an existing 2 inch galvanized waterline and 6-inch cast iron water line that are each at least 70 years old and will result in a more reliable water system.  There will also be infrequent water outages for the project.  Any residents impacted by a planned water outage will be provided 48 hour notice by way of door hanger.

During this project there will also be temporary changes to parking, traffic, and road closures.  All road closures will have detours set-up to direct traffic around the closure area.

Linco Inc., will be the contractor on this project.  The contractor will soon be mobilizing to the site and is set to begin construction on or before February 8, 2023.  The project is scheduled to take approximately 6 months to complete.  A project inspector will be provided by our consultant, WR&A.  I will be the project manager for the City.  All concerns and inquiries about the project should be directed to me for best response. My direct contact information is below. The Department of Utilities emergency dispatch is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 434-970-3800.

Regards,

Roy K. Nester, P.E.
nesterr@charlottesville.gov
Utilities Engineer
City of Charlottesville
305 4th St NW
Charlottesville, VA 22903
P 434-970-3908