Saunders Road Water Main

Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (GHA) partnered with the Village of Riverwoods to improve water system reliability by replacing approximately 2,000 linear feet of failing asbestos cement water main along Saunders Road with new 8-inch PVC pipe. The project addressed frequent main breaks while meeting modern environmental and safety standards.

To accommodate existing infrastructure, the water main was strategically relocated to avoid conflicts with three force mains and other utilities while maintaining required clearances. Multiple construction methods, including directional drilling and open-cut excavation were used to navigate varying site conditions and minimize community and environmental impacts. Directional drilling enabled crossings of sensitive wetlands and a tributary to the Chicago River, preserving natural habitats.

Close coordination with Lake County Public Works (LCPW) and other agencies ensured seamless alignment with ongoing force main installation and compliance with regulatory requirements. A detailed contingency plan for frac-out prevention during drilling operations was developed and implemented, safeguarding nearby wetlands and ensuring work met environmental standards.

Construction management emphasized maintaining traffic flow along the heavily traveled Saunders Road, with daily traffic control measures to ensure safe access for residents, school buses, and emergency vehicles. Field adjustments were made to reconnect unmarked utilities and navigate challenges such as high-pressure gas mains.

Completed ahead of the scheduled 2025 Saunders Road Reconstruction Project, this effort avoided future excavation, minimized community inconvenience, and exemplified forward-thinking infrastructure planning. By replacing aging infrastructure and integrating sustainable construction practices, the project improved water service reliability and supported the Village’s long-term goals for public health and safety.