FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2025
South Rivanna River Crossing Pipeline Update
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Beginning on April 8, a portion of Old Rio Mills Road between Route 29 and Millers Cottage Lane will be closed to traffic while a 24-inch transmission water line is installed. The closure is expected to last between eight and 10 weeks. Access to Brook Hill River Park will remain unaffected during this portion of the project. Individuals who wish to reach Millers Cottage Lane from Route 29 will travel south on Route 29, turn right onto Rio Road West, and turn right onto Earlysville Road. Earlysville Road provides direct access to Millers Cottage Lane.
Background
The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority has contracted the construction of a drinking water transmission line from the South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant to an existing transmission water line near the intersection of Route 29 and Polo Grounds Road. The project will increase the capacity, redundancy, and resiliency of our community’s drinking water infrastructure.
The new 24-inch transmission water line will be an addition that complements an existing 12-inch river crossing transmission water line in the area.
The project was awarded to Faulconer Construction Company of Charlottesville in September 2024 and is expected to be completed in January 2027. The project's total cost is $5.9 million.
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The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority provides wholesale water and sewer services to the Charlottesville Department of Utilities and Albemarle County Service Authority.
The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority manages five reservoirs, nine dams, six drinking water treatment plants, five finished water pumping stations, 11 water storage tanks, four advanced water resource recovery facilities (wastewater treatment plants), and nine wastewater pumping stations.
On average, the Authority treats 10 million gallons of drinking water and 9.6 million gallons of wastewater per day.
Media Contact
Westley Kern
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
434-977-2970, ext. 117
WKern@rivanna.org