PCWA renews water infrastructure beneath SR-49, I-80

As part of its ongoing Renewal & Replacement Program, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors on July 16 advanced projects to renew aging water infrastructure beneath Highway 49 in Auburn and received an update on critical pipeline improvements underway beneath Interstate 80. Together, the projects will improve long-term reliability for the PCWA's water system while minimizing impacts to motorists and customers. Construction on the Highway 49 project includes replacing aging water pipelines installed between the 1950s and 1960s along Fulweiler Avenue near the Staples shopping center, crossing beneath Highway 49, down a private alley, and along Garfield Street and Shirley Street. The project is expected to begin this fall and continue through late spring 2027. These improvements will strengthen long-term reliability, increase operational capacity in the area and reduce the need for future maintenance within Caltrans right-of-way. To minimize impacts to motorists, work in the Highway 49 and Fulweiler Avenue intersection will occur at night with only one lane closed at a time in accordance with Caltrans requirements. Most daytime work will take place primarily on Fulweiler Avenue and Garfield Street, where motorists should expect periodic delays. Flaggers will direct traffic as needed. The project includes installation of more than 1,400 feet of new water main, replacement of one fire hydrant, reconnection of 12 water services and removal of aging pipeline within the Highway 49 intersection. Once construction is complete, roadway surfaces affected by the project will be restored in coordination with Caltrans and the City of Auburn. "Investing in critical water infrastructure before it fails is one of the best ways we can provide reliable water service while reducing future service interruptions for our customers," said PCWA Board Chair and District 5 Director Joshua Alpine. "These renewal and replacement projects strengthen the reliability of our water system while thoughtfully coordinating construction to reduce impacts on the people who travel these corridors every day." Customers affected by planned water outages will receive advance notification before work begins. Commercial service connections will be completed outside normal business hours whenever possible, while residential outages will generally occur during the day and are expected to last no longer than eight hours. Nearby residents will also receive advance notice before nighttime work begins. Project updates will be shared on PCWA's website and social media channels throughout construction. I-80 Pipeline Crossing Project update The board also received an update on work at the Clipper Gap crossing, one of the first three pipeline crossings being rehabilitated as part of PCWA's Interstate 80 Pipeline Crossing Replacement Project. After successfully rehabilitating the first two crossings earlier this year, crews discovered a section of pipeline at Clipper Gap that was in worse condition than anticipated and required a revised rehabilitation approach. The board approved a contract amendment to complete the updated work and provide a durable, long-term repair. Project construction is being completed beneath the freeway and is not expected to impact traffic on I-80. The Clipper Gap crossing is one of 50 untreated and treated water pipeline crossings PCWA owns and operates beneath I-80, several of which have been identified as high priorities for replacement or rehabilitation. The project was selected to receive federal funding support in 2025 with the assistance of Congressman Kevin Kiley to help accelerate the work. Together, the Highway 49 and I-80 projects reflect PCWA's ongoing investment in renewing aging infrastructure, improving system reliability and ensuring dependable water deliveries for the communities it serves. More information about PCWA's water system planning and capital improvement program is available at www.pcwa.net.