Contract runs from September 2026 to September 2027, extending a project that began after a road collapse in 2023.
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Overview
Updated 1 hour agoRichmond’s Department of Public Utilities has signed an $8.3 million contract with Tidewater Utility Construction to replace sewer laterals along Forest Hill Avenue. This is the third phase of a multi-year project to fix aging sewer lines that collapsed under the road in 2023.
The work will close one lane of Forest Hill Avenue through September 2027, adding to traffic and business disruptions residents have already endured. The contract term is 365 days from notice to proceed, but weather and utility conflicts could stretch it.
Why it matters
Residents and businesses on Forest Hill Avenue face another year of one-lane traffic and construction noise as the city replaces aging sewer lines.
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Key Indicators
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People Involved
Organizations Involved
The city department responsible for water and sewer infrastructure in Richmond.
Company awarded the $8.3 million Phase 3 sewer lateral replacement contract.
Timeline
2023 September 2026
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Phase 3 contract takes effect
Latest ContractCity's $8.3 million contract with Tidewater Utility Construction for the third phase of sewer replacement begins, with a term through September 2027.
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Phase 2 lateral replacement begins
ConstructionCrews opened the road again to replace sewer laterals running to adjoining businesses, reducing Forest Hill to one lane through November.
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Phase 1 sewer replacement completed
ConstructionThe eastbound lanes of Forest Hill Avenue were rebuilt and opened after the initial phase of sewer replacement.
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Sewer line collapse sinks Forest Hill Avenue
Infrastructure failureA collapsed sanitary sewer line caused part of Forest Hill Avenue to cave in. In August 2025 the 4th District council member described it as happening two years earlier; no exact date has been published.
Scenarios
Phase 3 completes on schedule, Forest Hill fully reopened by fall 2027
Discussed by: City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (implicit in contract terms)
Weather cooperates, no major utility conflicts arise, and Tidewater finishes the lateral replacements within the 365-day contract period. The road returns to normal two-way traffic by late September 2027, matching the contract end date.
Phase 3 delayed, contract amended
Discussed by: Local media and contractors familiar with utility work
Unexpected buried utilities, wet weather, or supply issues push the work past the initial term. The city would issue a change order or amend the contract to extend the timeline, keeping the lane closure into late 2027 or 2028.
Cost overruns trigger additional city funding
Discussed by: City budgeting analysts and procurement watchdogs
Unexpected ground conditions or engineering changes push the project over the $8.3 million contract value. The city would need to approve a supplemental appropriation or issue a change order, increasing the total cost.
Sources
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