TLOV-2025-02: Second Elevated Water Tower

PROJECT STATUS:      
CHA Consulting has been contracted to design the tank and determine an Opinion of Probable Cost. They have submitted 30% design drawings for review. Funding source for construction to be determined.

NEXT PROJECT MILESTONE: 
CHA Consulting to provide 100% design drawings by the next fiscal year to better determine probable costs.

With wind gusts over 50 mph this week, Sprint had delays in finalizing the transfer of their equipment from the water tower to the temporary tower. Sprint is expected to complete their transfer by Saturday. Suez Construction and all service providers are still committed to having all work relating to the water tower done by Labor Day.

Due to the merger between  Sprint and T-Mobile, the Town Water Tower project completion will be delayed from the previously scheduled Labor Day Holiday. The project’s success is dependent on the three carriers Sprint, AT&T and Verizon contributing to a cost share to upgrade the tower. These agreements were reached in the spring of this year just prior to the installation of the existing temporary tower and Sprints merger with T-Mobile. The Town is working diligently with T-Mobile-Sprint to address the concerns of this project and how it relates to prior financial commitments made by its subsidiary company prior to its merge.  Verizon is expected to begin work on the tower foundation under a separate agreement with the Town soon. We will continue to post updates as they are made available.

The contractor has moved both Verizon and ATT  from the temporary Tower to the Water Tower. The Town’s antennae has been relocated. Starting Monday, Sprint will begin the relocation of their equipment. When complete, the temporary Tower will be removed from the site. The last component of this project to be completed is the relocation of an access road from the original location off of Potterfield to its new location on Lange. The Town has applied for this permit from VDOT. Upon approval, the road will be constructed with gravel by Verizon. No trees should be affected by this most recent change. The purpose of the change is to minimize truck traffic through the residential neighborhood. The removal of the temporary Tower will be completed by the end of May weather permitting.

CHA has submitted the 100% design plans for Town staff review.  A new Opinion of Probable Costs (OOPC) has been developed by CHA for staff consideration. Town staff will use the new OOPC to seek grant funding for the project. Until project funding is identified and secured, the start of this project remains unknown.