FortBendNow.com

Rosenberg residents in the Tobola Subdivision and Lucille Dyer Addition should prepare for a $441,000 sanitary sewer rehabilitation project that could bring crews into their back yards.

The project will improve approximately 9000 linear feet of lines in the area, many of which have been in the ground for nearly 50 years. Work on the project has started and is expected take about three months to complete, weather-permitting.    

The majority of the project is located in back-lot easements, alleys, and public rights-of-way and will occur generally between Lawrence Street and Tobola Street, Tobola Street and Millie Street, Millie Street and Georgina Street, Georgina Street and Louise Street and Louise Street and Damon Street from Avenue I to Avenue N.  Work will also take place between Carlisle Street and Mulcahy Street from Walger Street to Avenue L. The project’s purpose is to improve the flow in these lines. 

A trench-less rehabilitation method is being used to minimize excavation at the construction site. 

“The city and contractor request the cooperation and patience of homeowners in this area throughout the contract period, as the majority of work will have to be completed at the back of residents’ yards due to the fact that most of the public utility easements containing the lines are located in the back of the properties,” read a release issued by the city.

The rehabilitation project could include the following elements: cleaning and televising the existing lines; slip-lining/pipe-bursting to install the new pipe inside existing lines; excavations to reconnect lines from the residence or repair main sewer; occasionally, installing new manholes or rehabilitating existing manholes; removing and restoring fence sections to gain access to backyard public utility easements; smoke testing the sewer main or service lines to ensure their proper connection (non-toxic smoke can enter your home if your private pipes are cracked or not sealed); and surface sodding or planting to reasonably restore public easements upon completion of work.   

In instances where access will be required through a fence or gate, the contractor will ask that animals are temporarily secured and that gates remain unlocked on the dates listed on the door hanger.  Additionally, residents will be asked to keep water usage to a minimum during working hours, so that service lines can be properly reconnected to the main sewer.  Work will occur from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

The project will be completed in multiple phases, and PM Construction will be distributing detailed door hangers to affected residents as the project progresses.  These door hangers will include on-site contractor contact information.  Contractors will be readily identifiable, and should be willing and able to produce identification upon request. 

Residents are reminded to exercise caution during this period however, and to contact the Police Department at 832-595-3700 should there be any uncertainty related to the identification of individuals in the area.  Questions should be directed to the Citizen Relations Coordinator at 832-595-3301.