Aging water mains under Columbia Pike in Annandale to be replaced

Construction equipment for the water main project on Columbia Pike, Annandale

The cast iron water mains under Columbia Pike between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike in Annandale are being replaced because they are 40 or 50 years old and have been starting to leak.

Water mains can last up to 100 years, but “if we can replace them now, it’s better than waiting until there’s a major disruption,” said a spokesperson at Fairfax Water. The new water mains will be made from “stronger, longer-lasting materials which will not be as susceptible to breaks.”

The new water mains are expected to be connected to the existing water system by May, with final pavement restoration anticipated to be completed in June. That schedule might well be pushed back as the work hadn’t started in December, as planned, because of bad weather, the holidays, and delays in other projects.

There will be intermittent work at night over the next few months, possibly starting next week. The work will include the digging of a four-foot wide trench on Columbia Pike. Once the water mains are installed, “we will try and get the travel lanes paved as soon as possible to avoid further disruption,” the spokesperson said.

When the new water mains are connected, there will be some intermittent shutdowns of water service for businesses and residents along Columbia Pike. All affected customers will be given 48-hour notice before the water is turned off. The disruption of water service will probably take place from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., some time in April.