Wondering what’s going on with all the road construction and the delays and detours — on and off base — and how long it’s going to last?

You’re not alone. Lots of people are asking. So we figured it was time for a project update.

We talked with Johnny Almaguer, project manager who works for Public Works and is the lead for the $10.8 million ARRA Waterline project that has resulted in the road construction, delays and detours. Found out a lot of interesting information about the project:

What’s the road construction got to do with ARRA?

NAS Whidbey Island submitted and received funding for replacement of the water distribution system as one of the economic stimulus projects under the American Recovery Reinvestment Act. Among other things, ARRA is designed to create new jobs and save existing ones, spur economic activity and invest in long-term growth.

How did they know what water lines needed to be replaced?

Based on the 2008 Water System Study (conducted every six years), the base determined that the cement asbestos pipeline installed between 1953 and 1969 had reached the end of its useful life and was becoming a maintenance issue. According to Pat Beaugard, civil engineer and water distribution expert here at the air station, we have a compliant system, but this (pipeline replacement) is “really going to modernize our water system.”

In case you were wondering, there are no health hazards associated with water from asbestos cement pipe. The asbestos is locked into the cement substrate. All the water we receive is inspected by the state health department on a regular basis.

How much waterline is being replaced? 

The plan is to replace about 57,700 lineal feet of waterline. That breaks down to 29,800 lineal feet on Ault Field; 12,700 lineal feet heading out Saratoga Ave. on Clover Valley Rd. to Golf Course Rd.; 9,800 lineal feet from Regatta Ave. all the way out to the water tower on Crescent Harbor Rd.; and another 5,400 lineal feet up to Racon Hill.

Why are they cutting up the middle of the road?

An extensive survey was conducted to locate the existing underground utilities – electrical, sewer, water, gas, fiber and telephone. Using survey information the new pipeline is being laid out along the “best” route to avoid existing utilities and that can mean going right down the middle of the road. For the most part the new water lines run parallel to the existing lines, minimizing impact to existing infrastructure, traffic flow and ultimately command missions.

What kind of pipe is being installed?

The waterline pipe is called ductile iron pipe.  This industry standard is a type of cast iron invented in 1943 by Keith Millis. While most varieties of cast iron are brittle, ductile iron is much more flexible and elastic, making it somewhat earthquake resistant, over its expected 50-year lifetime.

What’s the next step in the project?

Once the main pipeline is laid, crews will go back and tie in the new pipeline to the laterals that connect to individual building and facility water lines. The contractor is working closely with Public Works to keep customers informed and minimize impact when water is shut to make the connection. 

How long will the project last? 

The contract will be complete in March 2011. Construction crews are taking advantage of the long, relatively dry, summer days to get the bulk of the work completed.

Construction zones increase the risk of physical danger for everyone. Almaguer is concerned about everyone’s safety. He asked that all pedestrians respect the construction areas. With all the earthmoving equipment, sand and gravel, uneven pavement – we all need to slow down and pay attention. The flaggers are responsible for keeping us safe whether we’re in our vehicle or walking around the construction site, so be patient and give them the respect they deserve. This is just temporary. Things will be back to normal next spring.