New Berlin Road Reclaimed Water Main Project

Crews successfully completed our project to replace a portion of a reclaimed water main located on New Berlin Road at the CSX railroad crossing near Faye Road. The road was open by 6 a.m. Thursday, August 15th prior to the estimated completion date of September 20th.

Fortunately we did not experience any unforeseen conditions during the repair and the contractor was able to utilize multiple work crews to expedite the work. 

We understand this construction was an inconvenience to the residents and travelling public and we appreciate your patience and understanding throughout. 

Due to increased traffic delays along the detour route, unfortunately, JEA hired multiple law enforcement officers to assist with traffic control in the area of Faye Road, Alta Drive and I-295. 

Detour messages were posted to Florida Department of Transportation message boards along I-295. We also notified JSO, JFRD, Duval County Schools (DCPS) and the DCPS bus services of traffic delays in this area. When possible, we asked that drivers avoid the area or plan ahead for extended travel times.  

Unfortunately this repair was not something that could be postponed any further. The reclaimed water main in question directly serves JEA’s Northside Generating Station and is an integral part of the cooling process. In addition, a complete failure of the pipe could have resulted in a collapse of the CSX railroad tracks and a significantly longer project duration. 

To add to the complexity of the work, the pipe is located in the center of New Berlin Road 10-12 feet under the CSX railroad tracks inside of a metal casing. Temporarily closing New Berlin Road during the repair work was JEA’s only option for the safety of the crews and traveling public. 

JEA’s contractor worked with multiple work crews to complete the repair as quickly and safely as possible. 

Construction primarily occurred within CSX and City of Jacksonville rights-of-way, roads and easements. The reclaimed water main passes directly beneath the CSX rights-of-way through a steel casing that is below the ground water table. Dewatering to remove ground water with pump systems was required. These pump systems operated continually throughout the project. 

For the safety of our crews and the general public, New Berlin Road was closed to thru traffic during construction.