Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
The bid opening was held July 2, 2024. Although four contractors were qualified to bid on this project, Garney Construction was the only one to submit a bid. Garney Construction’s bid amount was $13,600,000, which was 5% below the engineer’s construction estimate of $14,327,375. Contract award to Garney Construction is expected in August 2024, with construction expected to begin in October 2024 and be completed in February 2026. In advance of the force main construction, Fairfax Water completed relocation of the 8-inch water main along Wessynton Way and the existing 6-inch water main in the Wessynton Swim and Tennis Club access road in September 2022.
S. J. Louis, one of the previously prequalified bidders, submitted a Request for Determination of Eligibility to Bid in accordance with the County’s Purchasing Resolution. The County’s Risk Management Division (RMD) reviewed the request and issued an initial finding that the referenced bidder is not eligible to bid due to their safety record. The referenced bidder has subsequently exercised their option, in accordance with the County’s Construction Safety Resolution, to request a Special Audit of their safety program and submitted additional information which was reviewed by RMD. As a result of RMD’s Special Audit, S.J. Louis was determined eligible to bid on the project. Although S.J. Louis was determined eligible to bid, they did not submit a bid package for this project. The bidder’s request for determination of eligibility and all supporting documentation provided by the bidder to the County in support of its request shall be open to the inspection of any interested person, firm or corporation in accordance with the requirements of the Fairfax County Purchasing Resolution and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) previously performed a condition assessment of the force main, which resulted in the need for two (2) external repairs which were performed in 2016. Due to its age, and as a result of findings during the assessment, it was determined the existing force main is nearing the end of its useful and practical life, and is in need of replacement.
A study was conducted to investigate options for replacing the existing force main. The location of the existing force main within a tidal creek and across residential properties, presents challenges for typical construction methods. Such challenges include: installation means and methods, staging and storage of materials, environmental regulations, potential time of year restrictions for site access, potential damage to the existing force main and adjacent utilities, impacts to private property, maintenance of traffic and accessibility to residences, and future operation and maintenance considerations.
After considering nine (9) potential alternatives, evaluated as part of a Basis of Design report, the selected alternative (shown in green below): minimizes environmental concerns, minimizes impacts to private properties, provides for potential nature trail improvements or amenities, and provides greater accessibility for future operation and maintenance efforts.
The existing 4,560 foot long force main, consisting of 30-inch diameter prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) and ductile iron pipe (DIP), was constructed in the mid-1970s. It conveys wastewater pumped from the Little Hunting Creek Pump Station (located near the intersection of Thomas J. Stockton Parkway and Londonderry Road on the East side of Little Hunting Creek) which in turn collects wastewater from the surrounding community and from other upstream areas. The force main runs beneath Little Hunting Creek and through residential properties west of Little Hunting Creek, to a junction discharge chamber near the intersection of Surrey Drive and Surrey Court.
Located within the Mount Vernon District, the force main runs beneath Little Hunting Creek and through residential properties from the Little Hunting Creek Pump Station near the intersection of Thomas J. Stockton Parkway and Londonderry Road (to the east), to a junction discharge chamber near the intersection of Surrey Drive and Surrey Court (to the west). The project corridor is located across Sanitary Sewer Map Tiles 101-4, 102-3, 110-2 and 111-1, as shown below.
The bid opening was July 2, 2024. A bid in the amount of $13,600,000 was received from Garney Construction, who was the only contractor to submit a bid for this project. Contract award to Garney Construction is expected in August 2024, with construction to begin in October 2024 and be completed by late February 2026.
Replacement of the Little Hunting Creek Force Main will:
It is expected the new force main will serve the surrounding community for the next 50 years.
The bid opening occurred on July 2, 2024. The construction contract is expected to be awarded in August 2024, with construction commencing in October 2024. The horizontal directional drilling is expected to begin on or after November 1, 2024. Construction is expected to be completed by late February 2026.
This project will be awarded to Garney Construction in August 2024. All work will be supervised by Fairfax County staff. Every effort will be made to minimize disturbances and impacts to public and private areas. Careful consideration will be given to schedule construction activities to minimize interference with recreational activities. There will be no interruption to existing sanitary sewer service.
The construction cost of the Little Hunting Creek Force Main Project, based on the bid received from Garney Construction, is currently $13,600,000. Wastewater construction projects are funded through the county’s Capital Improvement Program.
The project was presented during community meetings held on November 19, 2019, at Mount Vernon High School; and on December 5, 2019, at the Gerry Hyland Government Center.
Little Hunting Creek Force Main Public Meeting November 19, 2019 and December 5, 2019
The County anticipates having an additional public meeting prior to construction, to provide additional and updated information regarding construction related activities and anticipated timeframes.
Information regarding Horizontal Directional Drilling:
For more information, please email Katherine.OvalleLaTorre@fairfaxcounty.gov, Engineer IV, Wastewater Design and Construction Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5111, TTY 711.