Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa and its partners are making significant progress in the replacement of aging water pipelines in Virginia Park. As of now, the project is almost 90% complete and is scheduled to be finished by February 2024. With the installation of over 20,000 feet of new pipe, totaling more than 3.8 miles, residents can expect improved water pressure, water quality, and better fire protection.

To ensure the efficient replacement of the old pipes, crews have been utilizing innovative methods such as pipe bursting and Horizontal Directional Drilling. Pipe bursting allows for the simultaneous expansion and replacement of the lines with high-quality materials, without the need for extensive digging. Meanwhile, Horizontal Directional Drilling involves drilling horizontally to create entry and exit pits, through which the new pipeline is pulled into place.

This infrastructure project is part of Tampa's Neighborhoods Design Build Project, which has a total budget of $92 million. The funding for this initiative has been made possible through the PIPES program, which stands for Progressive Infrastructure Planning to Ensure Sustainability. With a budget of $2.9 billion, the PIPES program aims to revitalize the city's aging infrastructure by implementing large-scale water and wastewater improvements.

Mayor Jane Castor has been a strong advocate for improving Tampa's aging infrastructure, and this project is a part of her Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow initiative. Similar work has already been completed in the Forest Hills neighborhood, where a total of 18,137 feet, or 3.4 miles, of aging pipeline has been replaced.

As the project nears completion, the City of Tampa encourages residents to reach out with any questions or concerns. They can contact the city at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, Florida 33602, or call (813) 274-8211.

The City of Tampa is proud of the progress made in Virginia Park and looks forward to the positive impact this infrastructure improvement will have on the community. With the replacement of over 20,000 feet of aging pipeline, residents can enjoy improved water services and enhanced fire protection. This project is a testament to Tampa's commitment to ensuring a sustainable and efficient infrastructure for its residents.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.tampa.gov/news/2023-12/more-20000-ft-aging-pipeline-replaced-virginia-park-133161