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Sweetwater Ranch Stormwater Main Replacement

Project Elements

The project will replace a damaged 36‑inch corrugated metal stormwater pipe running north–south beneath the Sweetwater Ranch neighborhood, perpendicular to 144th Street SE.

Key elements include:

  • Installing approximately 444 feet of new 36‑inch plastic stormwater pipe, shifted slightly west of the existing alignment to avoid steep slopes, nearby property lines, existing utilities, and sensitive wetland areas.
  • Constructing four new concrete catch basins to support improved stormwater conveyance.
  • Using conventional cut‑and‑cover trenching methods for pipe installation.
  • Fully abandoning the existing deteriorated stormwater main by filling it with flowable grout to stabilize the pipe and surrounding soils.
  • Maintaining neighborhood access and minimizing construction impacts wherever possible.
Pre-Deisgn
Complete
Aug 1, 2024
Design
Complete
Mar 9, 2026
Project Out For Bids
Complete
Apr 28, 2026
Construction
In Progress

Construction begins July 17, 2026

Project History

The original stormwater main was constructed before the development of the Sweetwater Ranch neighborhood and connects southward into Holly Pond. In 2018, a sinkhole revealed significant deterioration in the pipe, requiring emergency repairs. While those repairs remain structurally sound and continue to function as intended, a new sinkhole later formed near the same area. Subsequent inspections determined that the original sections of pipe downstream of the 2018 repairs had advanced deterioration and were at risk of further failure. These findings prompted the need for a long‑term replacement solution to protect neighborhood safety and maintain reliable stormwater conveyance.

Project Goals

  • Restore reliable long‑term stormwater conveyance through the Sweetwater Ranch neighborhood.
  • Prevent future sinkholes and infrastructure failures by replacing damaged pipe segments.
  • Protect nearby wetlands and steep slopes through careful pipe realignment and construction planning.
  • Reduce impacts to residents by using installation methods that limit disturbance.
  • Ensure the abandoned existing pipe is safely stabilized to prevent future voids or ground movement.

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