Difficult and wet floodplain conditions not only challenged contractors on the Roanoke River Interceptor, they prompted the engineering team to specify a long-lasting, watertight system built with Price Brothers PCCP.

When it came time to specify the pipe for the City of Roanoke's two new long-run, low-head interceptor sewer line projects, the city and its engineer, Black and Veatch, decided they needed a watertight pipe to assure against leaks and other problems.

Both projects are located in the Roanoke River floodplain with much of the pipe expected to be under water at certain times of the year. Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe and concrete fittings from Price Brothers Company met their needs completely.

As Price Brothers Representative Gary Shepherd explains, "The city and its engineering team recognized this $50 to $60-million project faced a tough challenge that could be most effectively met by using PCCP to assure many additional decades of trouble-free service."

The city's new Tinker Creek Interceptor project began in September, 1996 with a contract awarded to Bryant Electric Company. The two miles of 48- and 54-inch pipeline--built entirely with PCCP and matching fittings--was completed in July of 1998.

The new Roanoke River Interceptor project includes a 5-mile section awarded in 1997 to Alex E. Paris Contractor for 60- and 66-inch diameter PCCP as well as a 4-mile section of 48- and 60-inch PCCP awarded to Casper Colosimo & Son in February of 1998.

Both contractors faced difficult and wet floodplain conditions that often forced them to temporarily redirect the river's flow. Where high earth loads and laying depths to 24 feet were involved, PCCP with extra wall thickness was used.

Both interceptors used matching concrete tees and elbows for manholes, as well as Snap-Ring™ Joints for restraint at changes in direction.

Because both interceptors will connect into Roanoke's wastewater treatment plant, it was necessary to greatly expand the plant's capacity under contracts awarded to Danis Construction Company. This plant expansion employed 24- to 36-inch PCCP and many custom-built fittings to assure watertight performance for many decades to come.