Dec. 17, 2020
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Please see the two attachments that detail work in the following two weeks in Basin 1 and Basin 2.
Basin 1 (vicinity of Duck Pond)
The project had another fantastic week of production, with all major drainage from Beaufort Middle School to the Spanish Moss Trail functional and draining exactly as designed. Minor drainage and cleanup work on Jane Way and other areas is expected to be completed soon, contingent on the weather. As of this update, 1,000 feet of sewage pipe under the Spanish Mass Trail has been installed at the correct elevation ahead of schedule. This allows us to install the last of the major storm drainpipes under the Spanish Moss Trail, which will complete the entire basin’s drainage system.
We’re grateful to the BJWSA team for their excellent cooperation, coordination, and diligence as they worked side by side with our engineers, construction workers, and inspectors to deliver a world- class system that will last for at least 50 years.
Next week, we’re hoping to put the initial layer of asphalt along Battery Creek Road with the goal of opening the road before Christmas. After that, Battery Creek Road will be closed periodically to allow workers to replace a walkway and install the final layers of asphalt. This work is contingent on the weather.
Work will resume on the Spanish Moss Trail to install the steel sheet pile caps and final four drainage pipes under the Spanish Moss Trail. When this is completed, the Spanish Moss Trail will be restored to its original condition.
Finally, weather and soil conditions permitting, work along the ditch system between North Royal Oaks and West Royal Oaks will continue.
Basin 2 (vicinity of Southside Park)
The project in this area is substantially complete, and the contractor is working on the final punch list items. Work on the Spanish Moss Trail in this basin is being done by another construction company, and as in Basin I, about 1,400 feet of steel sheet pile wall is being installed. Driving this wall should be completed in 3-4 days. After the final portions of the wall are installed, three tidal flap gates with improved drainage will be installed. Once this has been completed, the Spanish Moss Trail will be repaved and restored to its original condition.
Safety!
The work being done in both basins is labor-intensive and dangerous. That said, we are very happy to report another perfect week with regard to safety. As the entire area begins to return to normal, we still need drivers to slow down, especially when navigating around heavy equipment and workers on foot. Just as a reminder, if you cannot see the heavy equipment operator, then they probably cannot see you. Once again, please avoid this area if possible until all construction has been completed.
Many thanks to our law enforcement partners at the Beaufort Police Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for providing extra patrols to the area.
Stay informed
Please encourage all those affected or interested in the Mossy Oaks Project to register with the “Notify Me” application found on the City of Beaufort website (https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/list.aspx) and subscribe to the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project updates.
As always, I remain available to address comments, concerns and questions.
We’re grateful to the residents who have demonstrated so much patience during the construction phase. The project remains on schedule and on budget.
As we head into the holiday season, please enjoy time with family and friends. While 2020 has been one for the record books, we are fortunate in ways too numerous to list.
Cheers,
Neal Pugliese, Col USMC (Ret)
Chairman
Mossy Oaks Multijurisdictional Drainage Task Force
npugliese@cityofbeaufort.org