Flanagan Interceptor Project

Overcoming Challenges with Expertise & Precision

SERVICES: Utilities, Concrete Paving, Site Preparation, Demolition, Stabilization & Aggregates

OWNER: City of Omaha, Nebraska

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Valley Corporation

LOCATION: 168th & Fort to 180th & Ida (Omaha, Nebraska)

HEAVY EQUIPMENT USED IN PROJECT:

  • Excavators
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Loaders
  • Dump Trucks

At Valley Corp, we pride ourselves on tackling complex and technically demanding projects. The Flanagan Interceptor Project is a testament to our team’s dedication, skill, and perseverance. This ambitious project involved the installation of approximately 5,800 linear feet of 30-inch-diameter gravity sewer and 17 manholes, totaling 340 vertical feet. With a combination of open-cut methods and auger-bored segments, we navigated numerous challenges to ensure successful completion.

Project Scope & Technical Challenges

The heart of the project involved laying 4,900 linear feet of 30-inch diameter HDPE-lined reinforced concrete pipe using open-cut methods at an average depth of 22 to 23 feet. This task was compounded by the proximity to Flanagan Lake, with the pipe being laid below the nearby water level. The extremely flat slope of the pipe, designed at 0.27% compared to the usual minimum of 0.4%, added to the complexity.

In addition to the open-cut installation, we subcontracted the installation of approximately 905 linear feet of auger-bored pipe segments in a steel casing. Our trusted subcontractor executed this segment flawlessly, ensuring seamless integration with the rest of the project.

Unexpected Environmental Concerns

Being so close to Flanagan Lake, we faced significant environmental concerns. Our erosion control subcontractor and onsite crews implemented rigorous measures to prevent silt and runoff from entering the lake. This meticulous attention to ecological protection preserved the lake’s ecosystem throughout construction.

The Earthwork

Valley Corp moved about 115,000 cubic yards of soil to accommodate the pipe installation. Before any pipe work could begin, we had to remove 5,500 square yards of 6-inch thick, 10-foot-wide trail and construct an aggregate “construction road” outside the new pipe alignment. This road ensured that materials could be transported efficiently, regardless of site conditions.

With most of the pipe installed and the earthwork completed, our paving crews are now replacing the 5,500 square yards of trail, restoring it to its former glory as a recreational area for the surrounding community.

Goals Met Despite Adverse Conditions

The project timeline was slated for one year, starting right after Labor Day in 2023. Our team remained steadfast despite facing extreme weather conditions, including blizzards, floods, tornados, 100-year rainstorms, and 90 mph winds. We are on track to complete the project with a week or two to spare, a remarkable achievement considering the obstacles we encountered.

A Team Effort

From the bottom to the top, every member of the Valley Corp team has contributed to the success of our role in the Flanagan Interceptor Project. This challenging endeavor has tested our capabilities and reinforced our commitment to excellence and ability to deliver under pressure.

At Valley Corp, we don’t shy away from challenging projects. Instead, we embrace them, knowing each challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and dedication. The Flanagan Interceptor Project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together with precision, care, and a relentless drive to succeed

About the City of Omaha’s Sewer Separation Project

Flanagan Interceptor Project

As part of the city’s master plan to extend sewage infrastructure for future development, the Flanagan Interceptor project is a crucial “trunk line.” This interceptor will connect outfall sewer systems from future developments, forming the backbone of the sewage system that supports future urban expansion. The project will progressively extend up the sewer basin on the north side to anchor upcoming developments.