Beginning on Tuesday, June 2, work will begin on the Preston Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation project and is expected to last approximately 2 months. To accommodate this work, Preston Avenue from Airport Road to Eakin Street SW will be closed to through traffic; local traffic only will have access. During this project, please expect a variety of the following to occur in the work area:

• Temporary restrictions to on-street parking
• Detours or lane closures
• Temporary sidewalk closures
• Noise and dust from construction
• For area residents: limited, short-term restrictions on house sewer use
• For area staff: The staff parking spots located in the lot off of Harrell Street and Miller Street SW will be closed; a map showing alternative parking locations can be found here. The nearby Huckleberry Trail parking spots will remain open.

The sewer collection system in this area is over 100 years old; damage to the pipes has caused significant inflow and infiltration of stormwater into the sewer system, causing a backup into houses. To address these issues, this rehabilitation project will replace the existing 6” mainline sewer with an 8” sewer pipe, replace existing manhole covers with new precast structures, replace sewer laterals within town rights-of-way, and install cleanouts at property lines. After the work is complete, Preston Avenue will be resurfaced.

Questions: Please contact Shawn Veltman, at 540.443.1352 or sveltman@blacksburg.gov. Read the below FAQs for more information on this project.

Preston Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation Project FAQs:

Q: Who owns the sewer lateral that connects my home to the Town sewer?

A: You own and are responsible for the portion of your sewer lateral that is located on your private property. The Town is responsible for that portion of your lateral that is located within the public right-of-way, including the connection of your lateral to the sewer main. If a cleanout has been or will be installed at your property line, the Town is responsible for the cleanout.

Q: What type of material was used to construct my sewer lateral?

A: Most of the homes and sewer laterals in this neighborhood were built between 1920 and 1950 and constructed of vitrified clay pipe with mortared joints. This type of piping is especially susceptible to root intrusion because as the mortar ages it cracks providing a pathway for tiny roots to enter the sewer. Over time these roots grow in size and mass resulting in blockages and structural damage to the pipe.

Q: Can my private lateral cause sewage to backup into my home?

A: Yes, a full or partial blockage of your private lateral by roots, grease, or other objects, which may enter your sewer through plumbing fixtures, can cause your own sewage to backup into your home. The work planned by the Town is intended to prevent blockages in Town-owned sewer mains and public portion of the laterals that could cause sewage from the main line to back up into your home.

Q: Will the Town sewer work in my neighborhood include the replacement of my private service lateral?

A: No, the Town plans to replace the public portion of your lateral and install a cleanout at your property line. While this work is underway and following your consent, the Town will conduct a CCTV inspection of your private lateral and provide you with a condition assessment report, which will include the size, material, and condition of your lateral. If the report indicates that your lateral requires cleaning or is in need of repair, it will be your responsibility to contact a local plumber to determine the best options for repair or replacement. The Town will not require you to make repairs or replace your lateral.

Q: If necessary, what are the repair options that I might consider?

A: There are multiple repair options that might be available to you based on the condition of your lateral. Project staff recommend contacting a local plumber for recommendations.

Q: Who should I contact for more information if my lateral needs repair? 

A: You may contact Shawn Veltman for assistance in interpreting a condition assessment report. The Town has also developed a list of approved plumbing contractors that you may retain to assist you with repairs or replacement. Shawn H. Veltman, PhD, PE, Town Engineer. Office: 540-443-1352, sveltman@blacksburg.gov