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Richmond awards $8.3 million contract for Forest Hill sewer phase 3

Richmond awards $8.3 million contract for Forest Hill sewer phase 3

Built World Richmond, VA local

Contract runs from September 2026 to September 2027, continuing a project that began after a sewer collapse in 2021.

September 25th, 2026: Phase 3 contract takes effect

Overview

Updated Sep 29

Richmond's Department of Public Utilities has signed an $8.3 million contract with Tidewater Utility Construction to replace sewer laterals along Forest Hill Avenue. It is the third phase of a multi-year project that began after a sewer line collapsed under the road in 2021.

The contract runs through September 2027, adding to the traffic and business disruption residents have already endured. Its term is 365 days from notice to proceed, though weather and utility conflicts could stretch the work.

Why it matters

Residents and businesses on Forest Hill Avenue face another year of construction noise and traffic disruption as the city replaces aging sewer lines.

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Key Indicators

$8.3M
Phase 3 contract value
Amount the city will pay Tidewater Utility Construction for sewer lateral replacement.
365
Contract term
Days allowed from notice to proceed to complete the work.
3
Total project phases
Phases 1 and 2 of the sewer work were completed in 2024, per the city's public-meeting slides; Phase 3 is now under contract.

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

2021 September 2026

4 events Latest: September 25th, 2026 · 2 weeks ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date
  1. Phase 3 contract takes effect

    Latest Contract

    City's $8.3 million contract with Tidewater Utility Construction for the third phase of sewer replacement begins, with a term through September 2027.

  2. Sewer lateral replacement begins

    Construction

    Crews opened the road again to replace sewer laterals running to adjoining businesses, reducing Forest Hill to one lane through November.

  3. Phase 1 sewer replacement completed

    Construction

    The eastbound lanes of Forest Hill Avenue were rebuilt and opened after the initial phase of sewer replacement.

  4. Sewer collapses under Forest Hill Avenue

    Infrastructure failure

    The sewer at 6935 Forest Hill Avenue collapsed in summer 2021, and one line section was replaced on an emergency basis that summer, according to the Department of Public Utilities. Two more sewers collapsed in front of 6815 Forest Hill Avenue on consecutive days in 2024.

Scenarios

1

Phase 3 completes on schedule, Forest Hill fully reopened by fall 2027

Likely Resolves by Sep 24, 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.

2

Phase 3 delayed, contract amended

Possible Resolves by Oct 1, 2027

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.

3

Cost overruns trigger additional city funding

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

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

(5)