2020 Water System Improvements Projects
Project Status
Click here to see status updates.
Project Details/Neighborhood 
Schedule A&C Projects: SE 34th St, 96th Ave SE, and 97th Ave SE (near Fruitland Landing)
Schedule B Projects: 87th Ave SE from SE 42nd St to SE 44th St (next to St. Monica School)
Project Type
Water main replacement, associated water system upgrades, adjacent storm drainage work.
Description
This project combines two water system improvements into one capital project, to maximize efficiency. The watermains in this neighborhood are aging and will be replaced with 1,400 feet of larger diameter ductile iron pipe. Crews will also replace the water service lines to 34 homes and upgrade 8 fire hydrants. Following this work, the contractor will replace and install approximately 180 linear feet of stormwater piping and 6 associated catch basins. Roadway restoration and paving will be conducted before final completion.
Project Timeline
Starting mid-June 2020, and end after 75 working days in approximately September. Status updates will be posted above.
Estimated Budget
Oceanside Construction submitted the winning bid ($705,841) and has completed similar water utility projects successfully in Renton and Kirkland, and previously in Mercer Island.
Project Status
To help keep area residents informed of our construction progress, we will post project updates to this site on a regular basis (see bottom of page for detailed updates).
Impact to Residents
Affected residents adjacent to project areas received a letter from the City of Mercer Island. Four water shutoffs are planned: we will hang a reminder notice on your front door the day before any water shutoffs and street closures.
Note
Please notify the City now if you have special landscape plants, irrigation lines or invisible fencing, particularly if they are located near the meter box. Also, keep everyone safe by keeping kids and pets away from the construction zones.
Background
The City of Mercer Island evaluates our water system on a regular basis to ensure that the infrastructure remains in good condition and maintains adequate capacity to provide water to customers. The water mains in this area are aging and in need of upgrades which will improve the system’s structural integrity and reliability, and improve water flow for fire suppression.
Contact
Rona Lin, P.E., City of Mercer Island Utilities Engineer: (206) 275-7806 or rona.lin@mercerisland.gov
Status Updates
September 30, 2020 Update
This update is primarily focused on site at Fruitland Landing neighborhood as not much activities took place on 87th Ave SE during this reporting period.
- Oceanside completed the 4th (final) water main connection at SE 34th St/97th Ave SE and the installation of new water main on 97th Ave SE in early September.
- Stormwater related improvements including replacing approx. 180 LF of storm pipe and 6 catch basins were done in the first 2 weeks of September.
- Final four (4) water services on 97th Ave SE and 96th Ave SE were replaced.
- Roadway restoration and majority of the landscaping restoration on SE 34th St, 97th & 96th Ave SE were done on the 3rd and 4th week of September.
- Oceanside reached the substantial completion on 9/23/2020.
- The remaining punch list items, including meter boxes and valve cans adjustment, asphalt patching, property restoration, and final cleanup, are expected to be completed in October 2020.
August 31, 2020 Update
- Oceanside resumed work on 87th Ave SE on the 1st week of August.
- Three (3) water main connections were installed on 87th Ave SE, between SE 42nd St and SE 44th St. All water services and fire hydrants were replaced and connected to the new water main by 8/12.
- Roadway restoration and majority of the landscaping restoration on 87th Ave SE were done on 8/13 and 8/14. Oceanside will finish a couple of remaining items - valve can adjustments (involving minor asphalt work) and minor property restorations in September when they complete the other site at Fruitland Landing neighborhood. This way, they can perform final asphalt work for both sites in one day.
- On the week of 8/17, Oceanside returns to Fruitland Landing area and began installing new water main on 97th Ave, north of SE 34th St. They will have everything in place, tested (for pressure and water quality) in preparation for 4th water main connection in early September.
July 29, 2020 Update
- Oceanside completed about 80% of water service replacement and ‘switched’ them from the old water main (to be abandoned before end of project) to another water main in Fruitland Landing neighborhood. This work was done between 6/15 and 7/2.
- Work schedule has changed since 7/4 holiday. In order to meet project deadline of 8/23 in 87th Ave SE site (St Monica School neighborhood) area, Oceanside decided to put work on temporary hold in Fruitland Landing neighborhood and focus workforce on 87th Ave SE to make sure work is completed before school starts (if the school year starts on time).
- The first water main shutdown on 87th Ave SE is anticipated to take place on 8/4. Advance notice will be provided to affected residents.
- By 7/16, Oceanside will complete all new water main installation on 87th Ave SE. They continued working on the replacement of fire hydrants and water services on 87th Ave SE.
- To stay productive, Oceanside will work on portion of the stormwater work on the last week of July while waiting for water quality test results for the new water main on 897th Ave SE. They will resume work on 87th Ave SE on the first week of August.
June 15, 2020 Update
- The contractor, Oceanside Construction, will be mobilizing and setting up today. The focus will be on the Fruitland Landing area until the second week of July.
Projects Map (2 MB) 2020 Water Project FAQ (274 KB)