Sewickley Water Authority Begins $1.8 Million Improvement Project

The Sewickley Water Authority has launched a $1.8 million waterline improvement project in Sewickley Heights.

Brian Hohman, water authority manager, said the investments and upgrades are part of the authority's commitment to upgrade aging infrastructure, maintain safe, reliable drinking water service and community fire protection.

Waterline construction began today, Aug. 19 on Persimmon and Backbone roads, and is expected to last about six weeks. The contractor for the project is John T. Subrick, Inc. 

The following primary roads are currently under construction: 

• Backbone from Quaker Hollow Road to Persimmon includes replacing 500 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe from the 1930s with 8-inch C900 PVC pipe. 

• Persimmon beginning near Backbone Road to the Sewickley Heights and Edgeworth line. Work includes replacing 3,300 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe from the 1930s with 8-inch C900 PVC pipe.

• Blackburn Road at the Hillside Drive intersection to just beyond the Oak Knoll intersection. Work includes replacing 2,200 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe installed in the 1910s with 12-inch C900 PVC pipe.

• Scaife Road, the entire roadway, replacing 6,200 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe installed in the 1930s with 12-inch C900 PVC pipe.

Hohman said approximately 140 customers will benefit from these projects.

By agreement, both contracts must be completed by Oct. 31. During the improvements, contractors will work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., 10 hours each day Monday through Friday. Some roads will also be open to local traffic only.

"Our goal for this project is to improve services for our customers," Hohman said.  "It's going to be a temporary headache, but in the end it's beneficial for everybody."

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