Major Irrigation System Work Starts In Yakima

City of Yakima News Release-KRCI, LLC of Wenatchee, WA will begin construction on the General 308 Irrigation System Phase 4/Stage 2 Improvements the week of November 7, 2011.

The project will replace approx. 6,515 lineal feet of irrigation main with 2-inch through 10-inch HDPE and PVC pipe, and replace approximately 103 service connections and various valves and appurtenances.

The project replaces the existing irrigation distribution main and services in the neighborhoods between East A Street and East E Street, from North 1st Street to North 9th Street. The project also replaces the existing irrigation main in Pierce Avenue between West Lincoln Avenue and Summitview Avenue, as well as in Bartlett Place from the North 1st Street to Buwalda Lane.

In some areas, replacement of the existing irrigation main will be accomplished by inserting (slipline) new High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into the existing irrigation pipes, reducing the need for a majority of the normal excavation. Excavation will still be required for some of the main installation and at all connections to the existing system, including the new services to customers.

This week’s work will include mobilizing equipment and materials for the project, as well as beginning the irrigation main installation in Pierce Avenue.

During the work on this project, construction equipment such as backhoes and dump trucks will be used. Traffic control devices will be used in the areas of construction. Although access may be temporarily restricted in the immediate areas of construction, access will be maintained for surrounding businesses and residents.

The project is expected to be completed prior to the start-up of the irrigation system in April 2012.

Replacement of the existing irrigation pipes will reduce on-going leakage and repairs, annual operating and maintenance costs, and will provide more reliable service to customers.

Funding for the project is provided from the City’s Irrigation Capital Improvement budget.