Arcata Steel Waterline Replacement Brings Temporary Shutoffs to Central Neighborhoods

Arcata's Steel Waterline Replacement Project has pushed deeper into central neighborhoods than originally anticipated, bringing temporary water shutoffs, traffic cones, and stretches of torn-up pavement to streets that city officials described as nearly finished months ago.

McCullough Construction, Inc. (MCI) is replacing 50-year-old asbestos cement and steel water lines with modern C900 PVC pipe under a $10,793,638.66 contract the City Council approved last April. Work began the week of July 14, 2025, but a series of complications has extended the project well into 2026. As of this week, heavy equipment remains active in neighborhoods that a September City of Arcata news release described as "wrapping up."

The delays stem from several specific problems. Water meters were installed too low, creating a potential tripping hazard, according to Senior Project Manager Steven Luu. Reinstalling the meters pushed back repaving, leaving traffic cones in place for several weeks while the paving contractor was occupied with other scheduled work. Crews also discovered sections of pipe measuring 4 inches in diameter where 8-inch pipe was required, forcing replacement. New fire hydrants were added at various intersections. Then a valve failure triggered emergency repairs and an unplanned water shutoff. Paving operations were wrapping up at week's end for Antoine, Antoinette, Benjamin and Zelia courts.

The city's project notice is explicit about the risk of unplanned outages: "During the course of the project there may be emergency scenarios that require a longer water system shutdown than anticipated. This can be due to failures in existing control valves used to isolate the project, unforeseen ground conditions, and other factors outside of the City of Arcata or contractor's control."

For blocks currently entering the active construction phase, the sequencing works in two stages. Removing the temporary waterline installed at the curbline takes approximately two working days per block. Grinding the trench down to a three-inch depth and repaving with asphalt takes another two to three working days per block. Construction runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some days extended to 7 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Businesses, property owners, and tenants will receive door notices 72 hours before work begins at their block. No-parking signs go up at least 48 hours in advance. Controlled one-way traffic and temporary road closures will be in effect during construction hours, with pedestrian access maintained where possible. Temporary water will be supplied to affected properties during any service interruptions.

Residents can sign up for project notifications through the City's CodeRED page. Anyone encountering problems can contact McCullough Construction directly at (707) 825-1014 or reach the City of Arcata Building and Engineering Department at (707) 825-2128.