JUNE 5 UPDATE
CFPUA began emergency sewer repairs to a sewer line in Wrightsville Avenue near College Road the afternoon of May 30. The emergency repair was initiated after work crews responded to a sewer backup complaint. The sewer backup was unable to be cleared and the sewer service was excavated and replaced. While repair operations were underway, CFPUA conducted sewer main line cleaning activities to remove debris and sand from the 8-inch vitrified clay sewer main.
The next day (Thursday) a void appeared under the pavement causing a sinkhole about 150-feet upstream of the replaced service. This was reported to CFPUA by NCDOT and crews again responded and began evaluating the sewer main near the sinkhole. It was determined that cleaning operations from the previous day likely uncovered a sewer defect causing the sinkhole. Due to a high groundwater table from the recent heavy rains, a well point system was installed to lower the groundwater table in the immediate area of the work zone so permanent repairs could be made. The well point system was in operation throughout the weekend to adequately lower the groundwater table and limit the size of the excavation.
Monday morning (June 4) emergency service crews began permanent repair operations and expanded the repair area down Wrightsville Avenue from College Road to address another area of concern with a failing manhole so that all repairs could be addressed at the same time rather than scheduling a portion of the work at a later date. Currently, repair operations are ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of this weekend. Crews will be on site working during daylight hours until repairs are completed. CFPUA has also been bypass pumping the sewer flow in the area around the work zone while repairs are underway. Traffic patterns have been adjusted in coordination with NCDOT to minimize impacts to the public, and are expected to remain until the work is completed.
If you have additional questions or need additional information please contact Frank Styers, chief operations officer, via email or by phone at 910-332-6670. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority appreciates our customers' continued patience.
June 4 Update
CFPUA crews remain on site conducting repairs at the College Road and Wrightsville Avenue intersection. Crews have assessed the cause of the sinkhole and attribute it to a collapsed sewer line – a result of heavy rains and aging infrastructure. CFPUA employees will remain onsite until the repair has been completed.
CFPUA anticipates that work will be complete by the end of the week. Again, drivers are asked to use caution when traveling in the College Road and Wrightsville Avenue intersection. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority appreciates our customers' patience.
********
May 31, 2018 - 3:45 pm Update: CFPUA Issues Traffic Advisory for College Rd/Wrightsville Avenue Intersection
CFPUA crews are on site assessing the cause of a sinkhole that developed today likely due to a collapsed sewer. We are excavating the site to determine what repairs to the sanitary sewer system may be necessary. Crews will be onsite until the repair has been completed.
We will keep the public informed of our progress. Again, drivers are asked to use caution when driving in this location. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority appreciates our customers' patience.
********
CFPUA Issues a Traffic Advisory for College Road and Wrightsville Avenue Intersection
CFPUA crews are making an emergency repair to the sewer service at the intersection of S. College Road and Wrightsville Avenue. CFPUA crews will close the outer northbound lane of College Road for one block in each direction of the intersection. Crews will also close the eastbound lane of Wrightsville Avenue. For more information, please see the traffic control map below.
This emergency repair is not related to yesterday's work near the same location. This emergency repair is 100 feet from that location. It is a repair to the same sewer line.
There is not an associated Precautionary Boil Water Advisory with this travel advisory.
This travel advisory begins immediately. This travel advisory is expected to last three hours.
Drivers are asked to use caution when driving in this location. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority appreciates our customers' patience.
