Pipeline and Tunnel
Two existing small pipelines were replaced with one larger pipeline. Nearly one mile long, the new pipeline was constructed in a tunnel and will be able to deliver larger quantities of untreated water, when the new FRS II is complete. A majority of work on the tunnel and new pipeline took place underground in Mission Trails Regional Park, just east of the community of Tierrasanta in the city of San Diego. The pipeline will connect to the new FRS II after it is constructed.
Flow Regulatory Structure II
Conceptual Photo of Flow Regulatory Structure II Access Building
A new underground flow regulatory structure, or covered reservoir, will be constructed to help regulate the water system’s flow of untreated water. It will be capable of holding up to 5 million gallons of untreated water. The facility will be covered with soil and vegetation, with the exception of access hatches and above-ground vents to allow for air movement in and out of the reservoir. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2020 and last approximately 18 months.
Improved Crossing of the San Diego River
A river crossing that allows Water Authority, park ranger, fire, police, and emergency vehicles access to Mission Trails Regional Park was improved as part of this project in September 2009. Concrete slabs with footings, as well as a bollard marking water depth, were added to facilitate crossing for small trucks during low and normal water flows. The new, improved crossing will allow rangers and authorized personnel better access to the park. Pictures of the improved river crossing are included in the Multimedia section, below.
Vent Demolition
Vent Removal - Elliot vents sit on a hillside in MTRP.
When the new flow regulator structure is constructed, the Water Authority will be able to remove the remaining vent stacks in the park and replace them with smaller structures.
School Information
Street Smart School Poster
During construction of the pipeline and tunnel portion of the project, Tierrasanta area roads experienced an increase in the number of large construction trucks. The truck activity is expected to be similar when construction of the new flow regulatory structure begins in early 2020.
Construction requires large trucks to travel near certain Tierrasanta schools to access the western part of the park. The major roads that will be used include Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Santo Road, Via Valarta, Antigua Boulevard, and Portobelo Drive. Truck drivers will be required to follow appropriate traffic rules, as well as weight and speed limits.
Safety is the Water Authority’s first priority, and we want to help keep kids safe. During construction, please talk to your child about street safety. “Street Smart” posters providing street safety tips will be provided to schools near the access routes. Please look for these posters at your local Tierrasanta school.
Trail Closures in the Park
When construction of the new flow regulatory structure begins in early 2020, trail safety will continue to be, as it was during the pipeline tunnel project, an important aspect of the project. Also important is maintaining recreational access to trails at the park during construction, whenever possible. To keep trail users safe when construction resumes, certain trails in the western portion of the park will be closed. During construction hours from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed trails will be off-limits to recreational access. However, trails will be accessible outside of these construction hours and on Saturdays and Sundays.
Any closed trails will be reopened after construction completion.
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