The City of Irene made a big decision to invest tax dollars and utility fees into significant reconstruction work and to pursue funding to upgrade the remaining infrastructure, improve drainage, and install new street surfacing. DGR Engineering (DGR) went to work immediately, pursuing potential funding options. The City was successful in receiving a funding package. In all, 74% of the project cost was covered by grant funding!

Design of the project included new PVC water main, new PVC sanitary sewer and RCP storm sewer. Sanitary sewer in some areas was lined using a CIPP process, which avoided digging in yards. Manholes were either replaced or lined. The pavement section included geotextile fabric, aggregate base course and asphalt surfacing. Many trees in boulevard areas were removed to facilitate roadway and utility improvements. The project area included complete reconstruction of approximately 25 blocks, which was completed between March and November of 2020.

The existing lift station consisted of a wet well and a dry pit valve vault which was located in the highway right-of-way. The City purchased property to allow the lift station to be relocated out of the highway right-of-way and to be replaced with a new wet well and a package above-ground lift station to include valves and controls. Complete utility infrastructure replacement.