Water Line Work to Continue Through mid-October

Water line repairs required the excavation and replacement of pipes between Shell and Carroll halls -- VMI Photo by John Robertson IV.

LEXINGTON, Va., Sept. 21, 2011 – Repairs caused by a water line break discovered Aug. 24, the day after an earthquake shook the Institute, are continuing, with completion expected in mid-October.

The water line failure caused interruption of service to several buildings, including barracks. Initial isolation and repair of the water line on Aug. 24 caused interruption in service to Old and New barracks, Shell Hall, Carroll Hall, the laundry, and the heat plant. The current construction will replace the water lines around Shell Hall.

“While all water services have been restored, we are operating without any redundant capability for water supply if there is another line break in the vicinity,” said Maj. Richard Fletcher, maintenance reserve program manager.

Restoring redundant capability involves excavating a trench around Shell Hall, laying new pipe in a loop, and tying the new loop into existing infrastructure.

Limited impact to post is expected throughout the construction period, as Letcher Avenue will remain open and necessary interruptions in water service will be scheduled to minimize impact.

– John Robertson IV

–VMI–