January 23, 2020
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Brian Cleary, Project Manager, Department of Public Works, 410-313-6455
Use of explosives required to install new pipe
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County water main replacement project near 3820 New Cut Road in Ellicott City, is scheduled to begin on or about Monday, January 27. In order to accommodate two retaining walls necessary to stabilize and strengthen the area between New Cut Road and the New Cut tributary, the water main must be relocated.
This project will require the use of explosives to clear the way for the installation of the new pipe into the existing bedrock to improve infrastructure resilience. Excavation for the water line is anticipated to occur during the week of January 27th, weather permitting, over a one- to three-day period between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Property owners and tenants within 250 feet of the project excavation area have been advised of the explosive work and may experience minor project-related sounds and/or vibrations.
This repair project is being partially funded through a locally-led U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service emergency watershed protection grant.
The County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) began work on the two retaining walls near 3812 New Cut Road this past October. In addition to this work, DPW is also rebuilding a retaining wall in the vicinity of 3910 New Cut Road and making repairs at 20 storm drain culvert crossings along New Cut Road between College Avenue and Baugher Farm Road. Eight additional BGE utility poles will be relocated in the vicinity of 3900 block of New Cut Road. This work is all expected to be completed by late July 2020, weather permitting.
The current New Cut Road closure and detour will remain in effect. Signs are posted in the area to alert motorists of the construction.
For questions or concerns about Capital Project D-1165, contact Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.