Norfolk, VA

Larchmont Area Sanitary Sewer Improvements

Client: HRSD
Our Role: Design, Public Involvement

Aerial view of the Magnolia Avenue Pump Station construction site and surrounding neighborhood.

HRSD is undertaking an approximately $57 million program to upgrade aging sanitary sewer infrastructure in Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood, reducing overflows and improving resilience to tidal flooding and sea level rise. GFT led the design of two new and three rehabilitated pump stations and associated sewer and force main improvements, working closely with HRSD and the construction manager at risk (CMAR) team to incorporate value engineering and innovative solutions that improved constructability, controlled costs, and minimized impacts to the surrounding community. Throughout design and construction, the team prioritized continuity of service and meaningful engagement with residents to address concerns and advance these critical infrastructure improvements responsibly.

Key Features

New and rehabilitated pump station designs incorporate flood-resistant construction elevations and adaptable layouts to withstand tidal flooding and sea level rise while meeting both current demands and future system needs.
Complex sewer realignments spanning nearly 1,700 linear feet for future reversals of more than 20 residential laterals, supported by CCTV inspections and dye testing, will enable the future abandonment of difficult-to-maintain backyard and alleyway sewers.
Lidar scanning, 3D modeling, virtual reality, and equipment removal animations enhanced design accuracy, operability reviews, and maintenance planning.
Innovative structural and construction solutions, including lightweight geofoam fill and low-impact pile installation methods, reduced costs and neighborhood disruption.
Early CMAR involvement enabled real-time value engineering and constructability input during design, allowing GFT and the construction team to identify cost-saving solutions and sequence pump station and pipeline work to compress the overall project schedule.
Extensive stakeholder engagement, project phasing, bypass pumping, and vibration monitoring helped maintain service, protect surrounding structures, and minimize impacts to residents.

Outcomes

Modernized infrastructure will reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows and service interruptions while improving long-term resilience to tidal flooding, sea level rise, and aging infrastructure.
Value engineering and CMAR collaboration delivered cost-saving solutions while maintaining project objectives and improving constructability.
Innovative design technologies improved multidisciplinary coordination, operational planning, and construction efficiency.
Thoughtful design and construction approaches preserved 150-year-old magnolia trees and minimized impacts within the established residential neighborhood.
Flexible facility designs accommodate future improvements and expansion, while retained properties provide opportunities for wetlands development, additional tree cover, and other long-term community and environmental benefits.
The new Magnolia Avenue Pump Station is operational and receiving full sanitary sewer flow, marking a significant construction milestone for the program.