Project Quick Facts
- Project: Long Drive Waterline Extension
- Services: grading and excavation, stormwater management, underground utilities
- Location: Aberdeen, Maryland
- Timing: January to April 2023
- Project Manager: Rodger Burkins
Working directly for the City of Aberdeen, Comer Construction extended the waterline from Long Drive to a previously installed waterline under Interstate 95 in Aberdeen.
The project required the installation of 1,805 feet of 8 inch waterline, including a fire hydrant and ten gate values. It also involved a culvert crossing and restoration to areas disturbed by construction operations.
This waterline installation will support continued growth in Harford County, Maryland.
Underground Utility Installation
Comer Construction approached this project with the same professionalism and expertise it brings to every site development project. The process starts with an initial assessment and planning phase, where professionals survey the land and determine the most efficient path for the waterline, taking into account the needs of the property and any local building codes.
Obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities is the next crucial step. Once these preliminary activities are completed, the actual installation process begins with excavation where a trench is dug following the pre-determined route. It’s crucial to ensure that the trench has the proper slope and bedding material—often sand—to support the pipe. Sections of the pipe are joined together using specialized fittings, which vary based on the type of material used.
Before backfilling the trench with soil, the installation is subjected to rigorous quality checks. This usually involves filling the pipe with water to monitor for any leaks. If the checks are successful, the trench is backfilled and the pipe is connected to the existing plumbing system or water main. To ensure the system’s integrity, a pressure test is conducted, and the pipes may also be sanitized before the system is put into operational use.
Restoring and Preserving the Ecosystem After Construction
Effective stormwater management is essential for both urban and rural environments. As with all site construction work, stormwater management is critical to mitigate the potential negative impacts of stormwater runoff, such as flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Comer Construction implements stormwater management systems to collect, channel, treat, and safely release rainwater and melted snow. These include a variety of structures and solutions, such as retention ponds, drainage ditches, permeable pavements, green roofs, and culverts, among others. Each system either absorbs the water into the ground, slows down its flow, or directs it to specific locations where it can be released gradually and safely.
Culvert Crossing
The Long Drive project included a culvert crossing, which allows water to flow underneath a road, railway, or similar form of overpass. Culverts are essentially tunnel-like structures made of concrete, metal, or plastic, and they serve to channel water from one side of the obstruction to the other. These structures are crucial for managing water drainage and reducing erosion near roadways and other built-up areas. Culvert crossings are commonly used in site construction projects to maintain natural water flow patterns while providing stable and safe passageways for vehicles and pedestrians. The aim is to create a structure that is both durable and effective in managing water, especially during heavy rains or snowmelt.
Backfilling and Seeding Construction Zones
After the waterline was installed, Comer Construction made sure the area was properly backfilled and seeded. Seeding an area after construction is an important practice for several reasons, all aimed at restoring the land’s natural ecosystem and preventing various environmental issues. One of the most immediate concerns post-construction is soil erosion. When the ground is left exposed, water can wash away the topsoil, leading to loss of valuable land and potential damage to nearby waterways. Seeding helps establish plant life that can hold the soil together with their root systems. This is particularly important if the construction has taken place in or near sensitive habitats.
About Comer Construction
Comer Construction is a women-owned site construction company specializing in grading, excavation, underground utilities, and roadwork. Since 1982, we’ve developed a reputation of excellence, built upon strict adherence to a set of values: Safety, Integrity, Quality, Commitment and Teamwork. Our team of highly-skilled craftsman and certified professionals perform all aspects of our services and can quickly adapt to your project’s particular needs.
Put our reputation to work on your next project. Contact Comer Construction today!
Get to know Comer Construction:
Grading & Excavation
Maintenance of Traffic
Road Work & Paving
Utilities
HydroVac Truck
