Ft. Worth Clear Fork Main Case Study

Blog

15 August 2024

The demand for robust and efficient infrastructure systems becomes increasingly critical as cities expand. Fort Worth Clear Fork Main — recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States — encountered considerable challenges with its aging sewer system. This necessitated a substantial upgrade to accommodate its rapidly expanding population.

This case study explores Ft. Worth’s challenges, the innovative solutions applied, and the execution process that successfully completed a major infrastructure project.

Infrastructure Challenge in a Growing City

The City of Ft. Worth faced significant infrastructure challenges due to its rapidly growing population. The existing 48-inch diameter sanitary sewer and 54-inch diameter wastewater collection lines that ran parallel to the Clear Fork of the Trinity River were undersized.

This limitation resulted in repeated sanitary sewer overflows, particularly near the University Drive and Rosedale Street intersection, causing disruptions and environmental concerns. The need to support continued city growth and prevent these overflows required a substantial upgrade to the sewer system.

Innovative Solutions With WL Plastics’ Superior PE4710 Pipeline

Here are the innovative solutions implemented by the City of Ft. Worth to upgrade its sewer system with WL Plastics’ cutting-edge PE4710 pipe:

1. Installation of a New Sanitary Force Main

The installation of approximately three miles of 36 DIPS PE4710 sanitary force main replaced the undersized existing infrastructure. This new pipeline increased the system’s capacity, ensuring it could meet current and future demands.

2. Utilization of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

HDD was used in critical areas to navigate obstacles like the Union Pacific Railroad, Chisholm Trail, and the Clear Fork River without extensive surface disruption. This technique allowed for precise installation beneath these obstacles, minimizing the impact on the surface and surrounding environment.

3. Local Sourcing of Materials

The PE4710 pipe was sourced from WL Plastics, a local manufacturer, to ensure timely delivery and reduce potential delays. Utilizing local resources supported the regional economy and provided a rapid response to any supply chain issues.

4. Collaboration With Local Organizations

The project involved close coordination with local stakeholders to minimize community impact. Collaboration with organizations like the Fort Worth Downtown Alliance and local businesses guaranteed smooth project execution and addressed community concerns.

Strategic Execution Process for Long-Term Reliability

The following are key steps for long-term reliability, which guarantee upgraded infrastructure for future growth and overflow prevention:

1. Planning and Design

The project began with detailed planning and design phases. Comprehensive assessments were conducted to evaluate the existing sewer system’s limitations and identify the most effective strategies for upgrading it. The PE4710 pipe was chosen for its superior attributes, such as flexibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion and leaks. The planning phase also included logistical considerations for utilizing HDD techniques, ensuring minimal surface disruption and efficient installation.

2. Installation

During the installation phase, S.J. Louis Construction of Texas utilized HDD to navigate under significant obstacles like the Union Pacific Railroad and major highways. Open-cut methods were used in areas where surface access was feasible. Meanwhile, 9,200 feet of DR 13.5 and 6,000 feet of DR11 36 DIPS PE4710 pipe were installed to increase capacity.

3. Coordination and Impact Mitigation

Throughout the project, the team coordinated closely with local organizations such as the Fort Worth Downtown Alliance, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and Trinity Park. They also collaborated closely with businesses and residents along 7th Street and 5th Street. This was crucial in minimizing construction impact on daily activities and ensuring community support. The local sourcing of PE4710 pipe from WL Plastics further helped reduce construction delays.

4. Completion and Benefits

Upon completion, the new sanitary force main provided the necessary capacity to support Fort Worth’s growth and effectively prevented sanitary sewer overflows. This upgrade exemplified proactive infrastructure management, ensuring long-term reliability and service quality for the city’s residents and businesses. The project addressed immediate infrastructure needs and positioned Fort Worth for sustained growth and development.

Upgrade Your Infrastructure With WL Plastics’ Top-Notch PE4710 Piping Solutions!

WL Plastics delivers cutting-edge PE4710 pipe engineered for flexibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion and is leak-free. Our pipes ensure minimal disruption of the surrounding community and long-term reliability, perfect for HDD and open-cut methods. With local manufacturing facilities in Texas, we reduce construction delays and support community growth.