The project scope included analyzing alternatives, developing solutions, and preparing plans and specifications to resolve the failing condition of the existing sanitary sewers. Since Hewitt Avenue is the primary east-west “gateway” to the downtown core of the City of Everett, the sewer replacement technical issues were addressed in parallel with strong community involvement and vision.

Phase one involved preparing a design report to evaluate the subsurface materials for soil conditions and provide computer modeling of existing utilities. A field survey was developed to create a base map of existing conditions and an analysis of sewer replacement alternatives. The report allowed the city to evaluate the alternative methods for sewer replacement and review the community’s vision of the existing streetscape replacement. The design included plans and specifications for the replacement of the failing sewers and streetscape.

A design charrette was hosted by the city to encourage design concepts for the redevelopment of Hewitt Avenue between Rucker Avenue and Broadway. Although some utility replacement issues were evaluated prior the replacement of the sewers, participants were encouraged to provide input on the physical design aspects of the surface of the street—including travel lanes, parking lanes, bus stops, bus shelters, loading zones, driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, street furniture, historical and gateway features, and signage.

Plans and specifications for the downstream sanitary sewer improvements were prepared during phase two. These improvements included approximately 1880 feet of sewer within Hewitt Avenue, Broadway Avenue and Wall Street.

During the third phase of the project, we planned the sanitary sewer replacement along Hewitt Avenue between Rucker and Broadway. Construction began in 2002 and cost $10 million.