Microtunneling Clears Hudson Bayou and Bridge in Sarasota

Sarasota, FL:  The Lift Station 87 microtunnel boring machine has successfully passed beneath both Hudson Bayou and the Osprey Bridge abutment. Microtunneling began Saturday, January 28, 2017, and has progressed at an average of 20 feet per day.

“This is a significant milestone,” said Sarasota Utility Director Mitt Tidwell. “We are well on our way to the receiving shaft at Osprey Avenue and Mound Street. This leg of microtunneling should be completed in late February or early March.”

Microtunneling is a specialized trenchless construction technique for installing pipelines under waterways, wetlands and roadways. Once microtunneling under Hudson Bayou is completed, the microtunnel boring machine will be placed in a 30-foot deep shaft on the Lift Station 87 site and be guided westward to the shaft at Osprey and Mound.

Microtunneling work continues 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

After microtunneling is completed, the contractor will install the 36-inch wastewater main, pressure test the pipeline segments, place manholes and restore the area. That work should be completed this summer, and then the Osprey Bridge will re-open.

Work on Lift Station 87 is scheduled to begin in July. Lift Station 87 will replace Lift Station 7, located at 935 Pomelo Avenue. Once the entire project is completed, wastewater flow will be redirected from Lift Station 7 to Lift Station 87. McKim & Creed is the engineer of record for the project.

For more information about the Lift Station 87 project, go to www.liftstation87.com or call our project information line at 941-356-8071.

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Media requests should be directed to Michelle Klase Robinson, Dialogue Public Relations:  727-580-9013 or MRobinson@Dialogue-PR.com