July 1, 2005

Lincoln Avenue sewer project

Work may create traffic backups

The San Jose City Council voted June 21 to approve a project for Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street that will serve to eliminate the odor and sewer backup problems that have been occurring in that area. The project is scheduled to begin in August with completion in April 2006.

The project consists of point repairs, rehabilitation of about 7,550 feet of sewer main and manhole rehabilitations. In addition to the repairs, the crews will also extensively clean the sewer mains. The project stems from recurring sewage problems pointed out by both residents and merchants along Lincoln Avenue. The odor and the sewer backups required frequent maintenance.

Because of those concerns, which were addressed in Lincoln Avenue strategy meetings conducted by District 6 City Councilmember Ken Yeager, the city’s Departments of Transportation and Public Works conducted a video inspection of the sewers. This revealed sections of cracked and broken pipe, sags, heavy grease accumulation and tree root intrusion, all contributing to the odor and frequent sewage backups.

The method the city will use to solve the problem is called a “trenchless cure-in-place sewer liner.” It was selected to minimize the disturbance of existing utilities, streets and sidewalks and to make sure traffic and pedestrian flow remain efficient. In addition, working hours will be restricted to minimize construction impacts to businesses, residents and local traffic.

The rehabilitation of the sewer mains will restore the structural integrity and extend the service life of the sewers. The completed project will provide a more reliable sewer service to the businesses and residents, and reduce maintenance costs.

As a result of this improvement, temporary traffic impacts on Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street will occur. The city’s Department of Public Works is working with the San Jose Police Department to minimize the traffic impacts on Lincoln, Willow and adjacent streets. Public Works staff has also coordinated this project with the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association.

For more information or to discuss the sewer rehabilitation, contact Councilmember Yeager at ken.yeager@sanjoseca.gov or 535-4906. For more about this project from the project manager, contact Cora Pamintuan of the city’s Department of Public Works. She can be reached at corazon.pamintuan@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 277-3067.  To find out more about what is happening in District 6, visit Yeager’s Web site at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district6/.