Fort Greely – June 2010 Update

Fort Greely residents have noticed the utilidor along 3rd Street is exposed and workers are replacing utility piping. This is because Doyon Utilities is replacing the piping that was installed in 1954 and has exceeded its useful life. Heritage General Contracting of Delta, Alaska won a $3.8M bid to rehabilitate the water and steam piping. The project was designed by Fosdick & Hilmer. Water and steam piping will be replaced which is expected to increase the water flow to fire hydrants and supply more steam for housing projects planned over the next few years. Work is planned to be completed by October 2010 with top soil and seeding to occur in early 2011. Prior to the project, water flow rates to fire hydrants did not meet industry standards. Doyon Utilities recognized that the water main piping was only 6 inches in diameter and was partially blocked by years of corrosion. Computer modeling of the water system revealed that by upgrading the water main to new 8 inch diameter piping along 3rd Street, water flow rates to fire hydrants could be increased to about 1000 gallons per minute. This will allow near term housing projects to enjoy a safe and reliable means of fire protection and adequate heating capacity for our cold winter nights.