Meeting your deadline is great. Finishing a little early is even better. But completing a project almost a year ahead of schedule is a remarkable achievement that should be celebrated! Break out the confetti because the Joost Avenue Water Main Replacement Project did just that, finishing 11 months before the expected completion date.

The project, which wrapped up earlier this spring, installed both an 8” water distribution line and a 16” water transmission line in San Francisco’s Sunnyside neighborhood, replacing pipes that were almost 100 years old. Combined, these new pipelines account for approximately 1.7 miles of new ductile iron water mains in the ground.

Planning, Coordination, and Execution

Typically, water main installation projects can be complex, and experience delays due to factors like finding unexpected conditions under the street or bad weather. However, by finishing so far ahead of schedule, the Joost Avenue project is a showcase in efficient planning, coordination, and execution by the project team.

One key factor in completing the project early was thorough pre-planning. A lot of the work on water main installation projects is done before construction actually begins. This is all done behind the scenes and can start two years or more before a contractor is even brought on board. Accurately assessing the site, using clear designs and identifying potential challenges early are extremely important factors that lead to a successful project. The Joost Avenue project encompassed all of that and is what allowed the contractor to be able to maintain steady progress and avoid unnecessary delays.

“This project highlights the great improvements in the San Francisco Public utilities Commission's (SFPUC) Local Water Main Replacement Program and a successful partnership and collaboration with local contractors like M Squared Construction.” said Ryan Freeborn, SFPUC Regional Project Manager. “The project teams working on the Main Replacement Program are continuing to improve on delivery of successful projects within San Francisco city limits. There are a lot of great projects which will be completed within the next two years as SFPUC increases its efforts to renew aging infrastructure.”

Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaboration and clear communication between various groups, including the project manager, contractor, engineers, and the San Francisco Water Division, also contributed significantly to the project's success.

"The success of the Main Replacement Program and early completion of this Joost Avenue project demonstrates our highly effective collaboration between Infrastructure and the San Francisco Water Division, whose teams work closely together throughout planning, design, and construction management," said Katie Miller, Director of Water Infrastructure Capital Programs. "As a San Francisco resident, I am grateful for these efficient projects to increase reliable water delivery throughout San Francisco, especially following natural disasters."

The Joost Avenue project is just the start for what’s to come this year. Four additional projects under the Linear Assets Management Program are scheduled to be complete by the end of the year. This includes two (out of five total) that are part of an overarching project that is installing earthquake-resistant water pipes. When complete, these will be used as the seismically resistant backbone for supplying water to critical locations including San Francisco General Hospital in the event of an earthquake.