|
SDS Wraps Up Another Successful Year
2013 was a year of significant progress for the Southern Delivery System (SDS). The project is on schedule to deliver water to Pueblo West, Fountain, Security, and Colorado Springs by early 2016 and is forecasting completion at nearly $90 million below budget. More than 42 miles of the approximately 50-mile pipeline has been installed, and crews are preparing for another busy year ahead. Here are some highlights of project achievements in 2013.
Final Pueblo County SDS Construction Projects Begin
Area businesses involved in SDS construction kicked off work on the Juniper Pump Station at Lake Pueblo State Park and the last remaining section of pipeline to be installed in Pueblo County at a “brick laying” ceremony in October. More than 100 gathered to celebrate the construction and its benefits for area businesses. Work on the Juniper Pump Station and two other pump stations in El Paso County are now well under way and will continue through 2015. Construction on the 90-inch-diameter pipeline that will connect Pueblo Dam to the Pueblo West Metropolitan District and other project partners will continue into 2014.
Pipeline Connects Pueblo and El Paso Counties
The SDS pipeline reached a critical milestone in late summer when workers connected the northernmost pipeline section in Pueblo County with the southernmost pipeline section in El Paso County. SDS now crosses the county line with pipeline installed continuously from just north of Pueblo Dam to just west of Interstate 25.
Tunnel Under I-25 Starts
Construction activities for a nearly mile-long tunnel have begun west of Interstate 25 just south of the Pikes Peak International Raceway. This tunnel will cross under the interstate and frontage roads to the west and east, nearby railroad tracks, and Fountain Creek. Sheet metal pilings were driven into the ground recently to allow for excavation of a deep shaft to begin the tunneling work. The project is anticipated to finish in the first quarter of 2015. The tunneling approach will help to reduce traffic inconveniences to nearby roads, protect environmentally sensitive areas along Fountain Creek, and limit disturbances to area property owners.
SDS Water Treatment Plant Progressing
Work on the SDS Water Treatment Plant continues to progress as walls for the building are now beginning to take shape. The project broke ground in March 2013 and is providing significant work for area businesses with more than 30 Colorado companies helping to build the facility. View time lapse video of the construction site east of Marksheffel Road and south of Highway 24.
View the monthly progress report.
|
