Today crews from Cobourg Development Services, contractors for the City of Quinte West, are installing 550 metres of temporary water pipe, 45 centimetres (18 inches) in diameter, along the north sidewalk of the D. J. MacDonald Bridge in Trenton.
These efforts are part of the City’s response to a significant water main break found Monday on the primary Trenton Water Service water main, located under the Trent River beside the bridge. Once installed and operational, the temporary water pipe will help maintain water supply to Trenton Water Service customers west of the Trent River until the primary water main is permanently repaired.
Preparation of the area on both sides of the D. J. MacDonald Bridge began on Monday, including the excavation of two large holes used to connect the temporary water supply pipe into the City’s permanent underground water system, and the installation of construction fencing. Installation of the temporary water pipe is expected to be complete by the middle of next week.
The temporary water pipe will be strapped to the sidewalk railing on the north side of the bridge. The north sidewalk will remain closed until the entire repair project is complete. No traffic lanes on the bridge will be impacted by the pipe once installation concludes today.
“This is a very unique installation involving one continuous 550 metre-long water pipe,” says Chris Angelo, Quinte West Director of Public Works. “The temporary water pipe, made of high density polyethylene, will divert the flow of water from the primary main under the river to maintain a reliable water supply to customers during the permanent repair process.”
City staff continue to investigate the cause of the water main break. The primary water main, installed in the mid-1970s, is a large concrete pressure pipe, 20-inches in diameter, that has an expected lifespan of 80-100 years. Once the temporary water pipe is installed and water is diverted to the pipe from the primary water main, the City will be able to gather more information to determine the best possible permanent repair option. The City expects the permanent repair process to take a few months, and aims to have the permanent repair work completed before the first frost.
For more information and updates about the Trenton water main repair project visit quintewest.ca.
If you experience low water pressure or water flow issues, please notify the City at 613-392-2841.
This is an evolving situation. Further updates will continue to be provided.
