VOORHEES, NJ, APRIL 5, 2017-- In an effort to continue to ensure reliability of water service for coastal-area customers,New Jersey American Wateris investing approximately $2.5 million to install new water mains within Rumson and under the Shrewsbury River in Rumson and Sea Bright. This largescale improvement project includes the installation of approximately 1,950 feet of 16-inch high-density polyethylene pipe, which will lay about 47 feet under the bottom of the river.
New Jersey American Water is working with Inter-Con Construction and J. F. Kiely Construction of Long Branch, N.J., to complete the direction drilling for installing the new pipe under the river. This new main is replacing the aging prestressed concrete cylinder water main, which was originally installed in the 1950s, in an effort to reduce the risk of failure, due to its age and condition. As required by both boroughs, the project is also being coordinated with a new gas distribution main project with New Jersey Natural Gas.
"The new water main is critical and this capital investment will help ensure continued service during severe weather or other significant events," stated George Bauer, Superintendent, Coastal Region. "By working closely with the two townships, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers, we are able to complete these significant infrastructure improvements in a timely, efficient manner."
"It is gratifying to see our water company and gas company work together to complete this critical improvement project that will help ensure continued reliability for our communities for many years to come," said Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl. "Thanks to their efforts and the cooperation of our towns, this project is being completed with minimal disruption to our residents."
"While we hope to never again experience another massive storm like Hurricane Sandy, we are all committed to doing everything we can to safeguard our communities from severe damage and loss of utility service should something like this happen again. That's what this project is about – helping our residents weather the next storm and keeping our homes and communities sustainable now and in the future," said Dina Long, Sea Bright Mayor.
The project, which began in March, runs along Rumson Road from Waterman Avenue in Rumson to Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright. In addition, 600 feet of main along portions of Lincoln, Packer and Washington Avenues in Rumson will also be replaced. Weather permitting, construction will last a total of about six weeks, Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. All work should be completed by April 21.
There is minimal disruption to traffic, with a small impact for two weeks on Rumson Road, during which time there will be a detour route set up. New Jersey American Water is committed to the safety of its employees and advises pedestrians and drivers to please take caution in the vicinity of work sites.
These water main improvements are part of New Jersey American Water's multimillion dollar program to accelerate therenewal of water infrastructurethat is reaching the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state.
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. More information can be found atwww.newjerseyamwater.com. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. The company employs 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visitingwww.amwater.com.
