Gulf Run Sanitary Sewer Replacement and Rehabilitation

Status

Construction

Construction is scheduled to start in mid-May 2026 and anticipated to be completed by late October 2026. This project will take place in phases. See the "Project Timeline" and "Construction Process" sections for additional details.

Location

The project limits are Gulf Run Pump Station by the intersection of Military Road and 36th Road North, along Military Road to 38th Street North and North Oakland Street. View map

About the Project

This project is part of the Sanitary Sewer System Improvements program (Water Sewer Maintenance Capital), which are included in the Utilities portion of the FY 2025-2034 CIP. Sufficient funds are available in the Utility Construction Fund to provide for construction of this project. Please see descriptions and the photo gallery on this page for details on the proposed work.

Sanitary Sewer System

The sanitary sewer collection system is a key piece of infrastructure consisting of approximately 465 miles of sewer pipes and 13 lift stations. This intricate network exists to make sure that the wastewater that gets flushed every day from homes and businesses makes its way to the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) where it’s properly cleaned and treated before being recycled back into the environment. Learn more about our sanitary sewer system.

Project Description

The project will rehabilitate and replace approximately 2,500 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe, including the upsizing of approximately 2,200 linear feet of the existing 10-inch cast-iron force main (pressurized pipe) located uphill from the Gulf Run Pump Station, as well as the upsizing approximately 250 linear feet of gravity sewer pipe. The existing force main and gravity sewer pipes are in need of rehabilitation and replacement as they are approximately 60 years old and deteriorating, and the force main has experienced many breaks. Furthermore, upsizing the pipes allows for increased sewage capacity to continue services and meet future needs.

More specifically, this work includes the open-cut installation of approximately 1,000 linear feet of 12-inch force main pipe on Military Road, 38th Street North, and North Oakland Street, as well as the open-cut installation of approximately 250 linear feet of 18-inch PVC gravity sewer on North Oakland Street. Finally, the project will include the sliplining of approximately 1,200 linear feet of 14-inch force main pipe along Military Road between the Gulf Run Pump Station (by 36th Road North) and 38th Street North. Please see the photo gallery, which includes an image depicting these areas of work.

Sliplining Process

Sliplining is a trenchless rehabilitation process used to repair existing pipelines where a new pipe is pulled through an existing pipe. Military Road has unused water pipes that the new sewer force main pipes will be pulled through to reduce construction impacts. The new pipe, however, cannot be pulled through any directional changes in the existing water main, meaning that excavation will take place wherever there is a horizontal or vertical bend in the pipe. These areas of excavation are referred to as “access pits,” and an example of an excavated pit is shown in the photo below.

Worker in high-visibility vest conducting the sliplining process.

Project Timeline

Construction is scheduled to start in mid-May 2026 and anticipated to be substantially completed by late October 2026. The project will have three main phases; inclement weather and other potential delays could impact work timelines:

Phase 1 – Site Preparation: May-June
- Marking of existing utilities, saw cutting of existing asphalt and movement of equipment and materials to the street.
Phase 2 – Construction of New Pipes: June-September
- Open cut installation of force main and gravity sewer, and sliplining of force main.
Phase 3 – Site Restoration: October
- Trenched areas will be restored with new asphalt. Any affected sidewalk/curb and gutter will be replaced with new concrete. Any disturbed grassy areas will be seeded/covered with a layer of straw.

Construction Process

The contractor will limit construction work to the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. No weekend or overnight work is anticipated for this project. Other tasks may be addressed during the hours immediately before and after the scheduled construction hours. Please note that there may be periods or inactivity between project phases.

Temporary lane closures will be implemented in the construction area to install the new piping, with at least one lane remaining open to traffic at all times. Temporary sidewalk and bicycle lane closures may also be implemented; detours will be provided for any closures.

Street parking along Military Road will be temporarily restricted during work hours, with “No Parking” signs being posted at least 48 hours prior. Failure to remove a vehicle will result in it being towed. If your vehicle is towed, use the following website for the status of your vehicle and find where it is located: search.autoreturn.com/find-vehicle. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the Arlington County Police Department's non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.