NE 12th Street AC Water Main and Storm Improvements

Design

Council awarded the professional services contract to the Blueline Group, LLC (now known as Atwell, Inc) in the amount of $178,910 for design and services during bidding for the NE 12th Street AC Water Main and Storm Improvements project at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 3, 2023.

Construction

Council awarded the construction contract to Raudenbush Earthworks in the amount of $2,071,599.32 at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 12, 2025.

Installation of approximately 1,4710 linear feet of 12-inch and 1,600 linear feet of 8-inch class 52 restrained joint cement-lined ductile water pipes with restrained joint fittings and polyethylene encasement, 15 12-inch gate valves, 10 8-inch gate valves, nine fire hydrant assemblies, 41 1-inch copper water service lines and reconnections to existing private service lines, and nine connections of new water mains to existing water mains.

Construction is expected to start in summer 2025 and be completed in the fall 2025.

What should the neighborhood expect during construction?

New mains are typically installed using an open-cut construction method by excavating a trench in a section of roadway. Work will be done on weekdays, during the day. Each day, open trenches will be backfilled and covered with temporary asphalt to provide a drivable surface.

There may be temporary lane closures and/or parking restrictions. Where lane closures are required, the contractor will have signs and flaggers to guide traffic safely through the work zone. The contractor will ensure that residents have access into and out of their driveways.

What part of the water pipe will be replaced?

New water mains will be installed within the paved portion of the roadways and approximately 41 water service lines will be replaced from the new water mains to the water meters. 3624 NE 14^th St. and 1324 Queen Ave. NE will require that portions of the water service line on private property be replaced, as the current meter is located within private property.

Will there be contractors working in my yard and/or property?

Because most water meters in this project are currently located in front yards, the contractor will need to do work in that area to replace the water meter and service line. Even though the meters are in yards/lawns, most of them are within the city right-of-way (ROW), and not on private property. To find out where your property line is located, contact the project manager for a copy of the construction plans. 

What part of the storm system will be improved?

New storm drain pipe, catch basins, and manholes will be installed within NE 12^th Street and Union Ave. NE.

Why is the sewer main not being replaced as part of this project?

The wastewater utility will be rehabilitating sections of sewer main along NE 12^th Street and Queen Place NE this year, as part of the Renton Highlands Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 3 project. The method of rehabilitation is called Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP). The contractor will install a liner inside the existing pipe and use steam to adhere it to the inside walls of the pipe. Once the liner cures, it will harden and act as a new pipe within the old pipe.

Will my water meter box be moved?

It is anticipated that the water meters will be installed as close to the existing meter box as possible, within the city ROW. New meter box covers in pedestrian paths of travel will be non-slip in compliance with ADA and city requirements.

What if my water heater tank does not have an expansion tank?

If your water heater tank does NOT have an expansion tank, you will need to have one installed by a Licensed Plumber. The new water meter setter that will be installed by the contractor comes with a check valve. Currently, the old water meter setters do NOT have a check valve, which means that a water heater with no expansion tank currently expands back into our city water system, in the street. If you do not install an expansion tank before the contractor installs the new meter setter with the check valve, you may experience excessive pressure buildup in your water heater tank.

How does an expansion tank work?

When the water in the heating system (e.g., water heater, boiler) heats up, it expands. Instead of building up excessive pressure within the pipes, this excess water volume flows into the expansion tank. As water enters the tank, it pushes against the rubber diaphragm, which in turn compresses the air on the other side. Because air is compressible, it absorbs the increased volume and pressure, preventing the overall system pressure from rising to dangerous levels. 

Why do the new water meter setters have a check valve?

 All new water meter setters, in the City of Renton service area, have a check valve to protect the city’s water supply from backflow. Backflow is the reverse flow of water, back towards the city’s water system. This can occur due to pressure changes, like a drop of pressure at the city’s water main or if the pressure in your home rises to a level higher than the city’s water main pressure. The check valve ensures that water cannot flow back into the city’s water system, protecting the water quality we deliver to our residents.