FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Construction is beginning this week on a storm-drainage improvement project at the intersection of Lewis and Sophia streets in downtown Fredericksburg.
The project will remove failing and undersized drainage infrastructure and install upgraded storm pipes, an inlet and related facilities. City officials said the improvements are intended to increase capacity, strengthen reliability and extend the useful life of the drainage system.
DiPardo & Cole LLC is the project contractor and will oversee construction activities and work-zone safety.
Closures and detours expected
Parts of Sophia or Lewis streets—and potentially the entire intersection—may close during different phases of construction. Detour signs will direct motorists around the work zone.
The schedule may change because of weather or unexpected underground conditions.
City officials recommend that drivers watch for construction signs, reduce their speed around workers and choose alternate routes whenever possible.
Visitors will continue to have access to the downtown branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Motorists can use the library parking-lot entrance on Sophia Street north of the Lewis Street intersection.
Northbound drivers on Sophia Street may need to follow a posted detour before reaching the library entrance, according to the city’s project announcement.
Aging system will be replaced
The project includes removing existing storm-sewer pipes, a drainage inlet and a roadway manhole. These components will be replaced with larger or updated infrastructure designed to move stormwater more effectively.
Fredericksburg, like many older Virginia communities, has sections of underground infrastructure that were constructed when development and rainfall-management requirements were significantly different.
Improving drainage capacity can help reduce standing water and lessen pressure on nearby streets and properties during periods of heavy rain. The project does not guarantee that flooding will never occur, particularly during severe storms.
Residents and business owners with questions can contact the Fredericksburg Public Works Department at 540-372-1023.
