96-Inch Water Transmission Main Relocation Project
GLWA Begins Next Phase of Significant Infrastructure Improvements Along Dequindre Road
96-Inch Phase 1, Avon Road Reopened and Significant Infrastructure Improvements Completed
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) operates 816 miles of water transmission main that serves 112 communities in SE Michigan.
A 32 mile, 96-inch water transmission main in the system running north from Oakland County to Lapeer County is the focus of this project. The project involves installing a water transmission main segment along a new route and decommissioning approximately 2.5 miles of the existing water transmission main.
GLWA has completed the study phase and preliminary design of this project that included selecting the route for the new, relocated 96-inch water transmission main and the implementation strategy to maintain uninterrupted drinking water service during the tie-in of the new transmission main to the existing transmission main system.
The objectives of this project are to increase reliability of the 96-inch water main that serves multiple communities and over 1 million people, improve access for operation and maintenance, relocate the water main outside of businesses and backyards, coordinate with other area infrastructure projects, and to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety by making improvements at critical intersections.
Media Resources
For more details on the GLWA and RCOC projects, call 877-237-7311.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is responsible for this capital improvement project.
- GLWA has retained Jacobs Consultants, Inc. to design the project and Kiewit Infrastructure Co. to complete the construction.
- Please email 96inchWaterMain@glwater.org with questions or concerns.
- To relocate the 96-inch water transmission main outside of the limits of private property at the closed G&H Industrial Landfill, the Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress Gun Club, and residential areas south of 24 Mile Road. This will be accomplished by constructing a new 96-inch water transmission main that is approximately 2.5 miles long around the landfill.
- To improve the operation and maintenance of the 96-inch diameter water transmission main located in Lapeer County, Macomb County and Oakland County.
- To construct new isolation valves on the 96-inch water transmission main to improve isolation capabilities for future operations and maintenance. The new isolation valves will allow GLWA to maintain water service from the 96-inch water transmission main while performing system maintenance and repair.
- The water transmission main will be constructed along Dequindre Road and East Avon Road between Hamlin Road and 24 Mile Road, and in a portion of the Macomb Orchard Trail, ending just north of 24 Mile Road. Other permanent and temporary project facilities that are required to maintain drinking water services will be constructed at various locations in the GLWA service area. The facilities are noted on the Project Overview Schematic.
- The construction firm for the project, Kiewit Infrastructure Co., is responsible for setting and maintaining the construction schedule.
- Construction for phase 1 of this project began October 17, 2022. All roadway restoration and trail restoration are anticipated to be completed by late 2026. Updates to the construction schedule will be posted on the project webpage when available.
- GLWA and the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) continue to closely coordinate the planned work included in the Avon Road Infrastructure Improvements. GLWA’s 96-inch water main and roadway enhancements included in the Avon Road Infrastructure Improvements are underway.
- RCOC’s roadway improvements and bridge replacement included in the Avon Road Infrastructure Improvements were completed in August 2022.
- GLWA continues to coordinate with communities, counties, utilities, regulatory agencies, businesses, and residents to minimize planned disruptions. Stakeholders will be notified when construction is scheduled in their area.
- GLWA is coordinating with all impacted communities served by the 96-inch water transmission main to maintain uninterrupted water service during construction.
- GLWA is committed to leveraging project resources to coordinate with other major infrastructure projects to lessen temporary traffic impacts and to implement permanent roadway and pedestrian enhancements to the areas within the communities that are affected by construction.
- GLWA is working closely to coordinate with Macomb County Department of Roads and Road Commission for Oakland County on the design of several roadway improvements as part of this project, including the following (from the south to the north):
- Intersection improvements at Dequindre Road and School Road by adding a designated center turn lane.
- Roadway reconstruction to current standards along Dequindre Road between East Avon Road and Hamlin Road.
- Roadway widening of East Avon Road by adding a center turn lane.
- A new roundabout at the intersection of 23 Mile Road and Dequindre Road with related pedestrian crossing safety improvements.
- Roadway widening of Dequindre Road between the Macomb Orchard Trail and 23 Mile Road by adding a designated center turn lane.
- Temporary access roads for local access only will be continuously provided during construction. Direct front access will be provided to residents, businesses, and institutions at all times.
- Trees will be removed and replaced on the Macomb Orchard Trail between Dequindre Road and 24 Mile Road. A tree survey was performed to catalog tree species, size, and condition.
- The Macomb Orchard Trail will be temporarily closed between Dequindre Road and 24 Mile Road during construction of the 96-inch water transmission main and subsequent trail restoration in the trail corridor.
- Trail traffic will be temporarily rerouted using existing sidewalks along 24 Mile Road and Dequindre Road.
- The paved portion of the Macomb Orchard Trail will be removed and replaced as part of the 96-inch water transmission main construction restoration.
- A 30-feet-wide “tree free zone” is planned above the new, relocated 96-inch water transmission main. Outside of this “tree free zone”, trees that are removed for construction will be replaced at a minimum of 1:1 ratio.
- Trail landscaping and hardscaping enhancements are planned for the trail restoration between Dequindre Road and 24 Mile Road.
- This project will improve GLWA’s ability to perform operations and maintenance of the 96-inch water transmission main, valves and outlets.
- There are no planned disruptions to drinking water and fire-fighting services during project construction. Rerouted water supply paths will be utilized during construction to avoid disruptions to water services. Hydraulic computer modeling and field testing are being conducted to ensure that the temporary changes in water supply paths will not affect water service and water quality.
Register For Updates
96-Inch Water Transmission Main Relocation Project Registration Updates