The replacement project encompassed three streets and replaced more than 2200 feet of aging water main.
In the fall of 2017, the Mt. Laurel Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) and their contractor, RTW Construction of Southampton, began a water main replacement project encompassing three streets and replacing more than 2200 feet of aging water main.
“We found by bundling these three streets into one project, it afforded us the ability to secure a larger, more experienced contractor and more competitive pricing,” said MUA Chairperson Cheryl Coco-Capri.
According to the MUA, the life expectancy of these water mains should have been much longer than their 50-year life; however, a combination of factors including corrosive soil and a high-water table, led to their shortened life span.
The MUA has taken the steps necessary to ensure the new main, a cement lined ductile iron pipe, will last at least 100 years. This was accomplished by adding sacrificial anodes and wrapping the main as recommended by the American Water Works Association, according to MUA Engineer Bob Adler.
According to the MUA, the total cost of this project, paid from the MUA’s Capital Improvement Program, was approximately $800,000, which included engineering costs, paving of the roadway, replacement of curbing and installation of new handicap ramps.
The next area to be complete is York Road.
