2025 Mountain States Best Projects
Best Water/Environment: 1800 N. Sewer Realignment Phase 2 Trunk Sewer
1800 N. Sewer Realignment Phase 2 Trunk Sewer
Salt Lake City
BEST PROJECT
Submitted by Whitaker Construction
Owner Salt Lake City Public Utilities
Lead Design Firm Water Works Engineers
General Contractor Whitaker Construction
The primary goal of this project was to efficiently convey wastewater to the treatment plant, which involved installing a new large sewer tie-in structure in addition to rehabilitating an existing structure.
Since the tie-in structure was located directly underneath active power lines, it would have required a costly and complex bypass system in order to take a more traditional cast-in-place approach. Instead, the contractor suggested casting the giant structure above ground and then carefully lowering it into place using two cranes, which eliminated the need for a bypass system.
This solution not only saved the city money but also reduced disruptions to the surrounding area. In addition, corrosion-resistant, high-grade materials used for this structure will ensure long-term system performance, reduce maintenance and minimize the risk of odors or leaks.
Photo courtesy Whitaker Construction
But casting a nearly 700,000-lb structure above ground and lowering it into place required a concerted team effort to ensure everyone’s safety without damaging the concrete structure during the lift. Rehabilitating the existing structure also required careful monitoring to ensure that it could remain operational while the upgrade was underway. Due to the age of some of the existing brick-lined infrastructure, crews had to take extreme caution when running bypass systems.
Photo courtesy Whitaker Construction
Because trenching and excavation safety was a primary concern throughout the project, the team implemented proper shoring systems and followed strict confined space entry protocols.
Clean, organized work zones reduced hazards and promoted efficiency as well. Job-specific protocols were rigorously followed, while daily safety meetings and equipment inspections were also conducted. In the end, the team logged 26,378 work hours with no lost-time or recordable incidents.
Photo courtesy Whitaker Construction
Above ground, crews placed nearly 2,000 ft of 54-in. fiberglass reinforced pipe through Salt Lake City’s active Rosewood Park, along with nearly 2,100 ft of 42-in. pipe. They also restored areas impacted by excavation by performing major earthwork, reseeding and by making roadway improvements and installing six new pickleball courts and one tennis court based on community feedback. These enhancements provide safe, modern recreation spaces for families and visitors.
During construction, the project team ensured that community members were still able to use the park safely and paid attention to the roadway and parking processes at the neighboring school so as not to interrupt the activities and safe movement of parents, children and school staff.
