Underground Utility Project
The Underground Utilities Project has concluded this summer with the completion of connections at Randolph and Mason Halls. Spanning four years and Campus Walk, the project has replaced more than 5,000 linear feet of waterlines and steam pipes on the Fredericksburg campus, upgrading aging infrastructure and improving efficiencies in our water and heating systems.
Paused during the academic semesters to minimize disruption to classes and activities, work on the underground utility project has happened over four summers, focused on pipe replacement and new water hydrants. Most of the lines connect directly to daily uses, providing heating for buildings and heating domestic hot water for cooking and showers in the residence halls.
When it concludes, the project will have replaced more than 5,000 linear feet of waterlines and steam pipes on the Fredericksburg campus, upgrading aging infrastructure and improving efficiencies in our water and heating systems.
Underground Utilities Project FAQ
What’s the extent of the Underground Utilities Project?
Waterline improvements included over 1,840 linear of primarily new 8” waterlines, over 20 new valve assemblies, and three new fire hydrants. Sanitary sewer improvements included over 1,348 linear feet of new or rehabilitated 8” sewer lines and the repair and rehabilitation of over 10 manholes. The steam work included over 2,600 LF of new high-pressure steam and condensate return lines that extended from Mason & Randolph Halls to GW & Westmoreland Halls to Ball Hall and then to Virginia Hall. In addition, a section of steam line was replaced from Melchers Hall to Woodard Hall. Seven new manholes were installed on the project.
These lines connect directly to daily uses, providing heating for buildings and heating domestic hot water for cooking and showers in the residence halls.
Why was this project started?
By upgrading this aging infrastructure, the University will reduce water usage and make our heat and hot water systems more efficient and less likely to need major repairs in the future.
From the initial phases, the University has seen increased efficiencies in the steam system, cutting the return condensate from 40% to 4% and reducing water usage overall, according to the Facilities team.
Why has this project taken so long?
The project has focused on the summer sessions to minimize disruption to residential students and to student activities during the academic year. While efforts were made to work around major events such as Reunion and Orientation, the project has been a major disruption to campus. It has taken extra time due to supply chain delays, contractor issues, and unexpected obstacles underground.
What happened with the Underground Utilities Project in summer 2023?
The third phase of the Underground Utilities project began in earnest in May 2023 and continued throughout the summer with work involving much needed steam, water, and sanitary improvements. A contract was awarded to JPG Plumbing & Mechanical, out of Jessup, Maryland. This round of steam improvements centered around Ball Circle, Westmoreland Lawn, and a section crossing Campus Walk towards Mason and Randolph Halls. Water line work included horizontal boring adjacent to Campus Walk from George Washington Hall to Lee Hall with some excavation required across Campus Walk to make final building connections. Sanitary repairs occurred near the patio in front of Woodard Hall. Work required steam and water outages, coordinated in advance to minimize impact to campus operations.
What was the impact on Ball Circle?
As the contractor wrapped up the underground utility work, they backfilled and compacted the area to return Ball Circle as a mostly-level outdoor space. Then the work of UMW Landscape and Grounds team began, as they nurtured Ball Circle back to the green space we know and love. Seeding occurred in the fall, dormant for the winter, and through all the encouragement we can provide in the spring, has made the space ready for Commencement again. It may take a couple of years for the grass to full take root and fill in Ball Circle.