Collaboration-A Key to Success on a Challenging Pipeline Project

Ellenberger, C.; Dimeo, E.; Hamilton, T.; Preeschl, R.

This paper discusses a 16,000-ft (4,877 m) reclaimed water transmission main project for JEA through a busy corridor in Jacksonville, FL. The pipeline route includes multiple trenchless crossings, two state highway crossings, navigation of easements, and open cut construction along a four-lane divided boulevard. Throughout the design and construction phases, numerous challenges arose. Those include a major crossing of a multilane state highway, an adjacent state department of transportation highway project, crossing a dual box culvert and creek, navigating a key corridor through a college campus area, accessing easements, and COVID-19 impacts. The evolution and resolution of each challenge presents an interesting case study. Throughout the course of the project, multiple stakeholders provided input and expectations that were incorporated, including federal, state, and local agencies, a university, and private landowners. Understanding and addressing multiple viewpoints was critical. Ultimately, continuous collaboration and coordination between the project team and the stakeholders were the key factors in the success of the project. The presentation provides a dynamic overview of the project through the design and construction phases, with a detailed account of the resolution of several challenges that arose, and the benefits of the project team's collaborative approach. © 2021 ASCE.