Construction begins on second water pipeline crossing the South Rivanna River

One reason for Albemarle’s long-standing growth management policy is to help determine where expensive infrastructure will be located. The county participates in the financing and construction of projects as a member of the Board of Directors for the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority.

This week, construction has begun on a $5.9 million project to add a new waterline traveling under the South Rivanna River.

“The South Rivanna River Crossing Pipeline Project will directly connect the South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant to a water pipe near the intersection of Route 29 and Polo Grounds Road,” reads an information release sent out this afternoon.

This project is part of ongoing work to increase capacity in an urban water system expected to meet the demands of a growing population. According to the RWSA website, the crossing is part of a new 24-inch water main to connect the Hollymead Town Center to the South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant.

“Two segments of this water main were constructed as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation] VDOT Rt. 29 Solutions projects, including approximately 10,000 linear feet 24-inch water main along Route 29 and 600 linear feet of 24-inch water main along the new Berkmar Drive Extension, behind the Kohl’s department store,” reads a section of an interactive map of RWSA construction projects.

Faulconer Construction Company of Charlottesville won the contract for the work which is expected to be completed in January 2027. The project was designed by Michael Baker International.

Before you go: This story about infrastructure development was originally published in the March 20, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. The prevailing pattern for Town Crier Productions is to print stories in the newsletter first and then archive them here. Why not have one place for both? Good question, and answers are still being sought.