Elm Street Storm Drain Improvement Project

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The Elm Street Storm Drainage Improvement Project will address flooding issues caused by outdated and undersized drainage infrastructure along Elm Street and some of its surrounding streets.

The Elm Street System collects drainage from approximately 58 acres along Elm Street and discharges directly into the Tar River. This drainage area is highly impervious and includes segments of Willow Street, Brownlea Drive, East Third Street, and East Fourth Street.

Models indicate that the majority of the system operates at or below a 2-year level of service, which is consistent with the reports of roadway flooding by citizens and City staff. Current City standards for new drainage systems require they operate at a 10-year level of service.

In addition, parts of the system are failing and have been repaired numerous times by the Public Works Department.

Proposed improvements will provide a 10-year level of service, and are estimated to install or replace more than 7,000 linear feet of pipe, along with 19 catch basins and/or drop inlets. They will also include the construction of a wetland area at the north end of Elm Street, through which water will flow before being discharged into the Tar River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stormwater

Private properties in this area currently have drainage issues. What can the city do to help with these issues?
- Dependent upon utilities, vegetation, and drainage patterns, locations of catch basins and inlets may be adjusted to allow for future drainage connections. This project is designed to allow for better drainage of the overall storm drain system. This will allow for additional capacity to carry drainage from private properties. The drainage within private property is the responsibility of the property owner and beyond the scope of this project.
Traffic Controls, Pedestrian Access, General Construction
Is the proposed street width adequate?
- The Traffic Division analyzed design and width, and determined it to be adequate.
Will this project limit my access to my property?
- The contractor will be required to maintain access to all properties. There may be times when construction is directly adjacent to a property causing a temporary disruption to access during certain times of the day.
Is there a plan for a pedestrian access route?
- The contractor will maintain some kind of pedestrian access throughout the area. There will be posted pedestrian detours.
How will my questions/concerns be addressed and communicated?
- A summary of questions/answers received by mail, phone, email, will be posted here on the project webpage.
- Project email: ElmStStormDrain@greenvillenc.gov
Will a full-time inspector be on the project?
- The City intends to award a professional services contract for Construction Administration to include inspection.
Will the city provide us with points of contact should any questions or concerns come up during construction?
- Yes. Should you have any questions or concerns, you can send them to ElmStStormDrain@greenvillenc.gov, or call 252-329-4821.
What is the timeline for completion?
- The estimated timeline for completion is 21 months from the notice to proceed, which is still to be determined.
During construction, will the contractor be held to working hours?
- These requirements are outlined in the specifications. Some exceptions are allowed for working weekends or extended hours for certain types of work, such as facilitating utility services or property access. The contractor will be required to have written approval from the City to utilize time outside of normal work hours.
Will trees/shrubs be removed and replaced where there are screening and buffer requirements or needs?
- The City will replace any removed vegetation on private property in an effort to restore screening and buffers. Replacement vegetation size, location, and species will be coordinated with the property owner.
Will any private fences be removed or relocated?
- The design limits the impact to private property as much as possible. Where fences must be removed, temporary fencing can be coordinated with the property owner during construction and permanent fencing replaced in-kind after construction.
Will there be tree protection requirements?
- Yes, the contract must have tree protection fencing for trees in the project area that are intended to remain.
Will the road, curb and gutter, and sidewalk be removed to full length all at once or in phases?
- The contractor must work in phases identified in plans; however further specifics of means and methods are determined by the contractor. The contractor will be required to either backfill or fence any open excavations at the end of each working day.
Will sidewalk ramps be replaced to ADA standards, including crosswalks and stop bars?
- Yes, all improvements will be brought to current standards.
Water, Sewer, Gas, & Electric Utilities
Has Greenville Utilities Commission been involved in the plan review process?
- Yes. GUC reviewed the plans and is coordinating all needed improvements to water, sewer, gas, and electric systems in the project area.
Will there be service interruptions and how will we be notified?
- This will be covered in the construction meeting. Citizens are normally notified twice (by contractor and GUC). GUC notifies 48 hours in advance when possible, either in person or by door hangers.
Will there be bypass pumping? Will the pumps be silent?
- GUC requires critically silenced pumps near residences.