Project Update
Join us on January 24, 2022, from 6 – 7 PM for a virtual community meeting about the Somerset Reservoir Decommissioning Project.
Attendees will learn about the purpose of the project, the process of decommissioning the reservoir, and what to expect during construction. You will have an opportunity to ask questions of the project team at the end of the meeting.
To register for the event, visit this link, or click the button below.
The Somerset Reservoir No. 1 is a 100,000-gallon reinforced concrete reservoir, built in 1961 and located on Somerset Recreation Club property. The existing structure of the reservoir was created by excavating into the original slope, meaning that the current structure is partially tucked into the hillside. The reservoir has been out of service for nearly 20 years.
To improve the safety of the Somerset Recreation Club in the event of an earthquake and enhance the views from the pool deck, the reservoir will be further stabilized and partially removed, and the hillside will be regraded and landscaped.
The design for the process is underway and will conclude this summer. Construction is planned for late winter 2021 through spring 2022, to be completed before the 2022 swim season opens.
Project Area
Schedule
Project approach
At a workshop held in December of 2019, the City reviewed risks and opportunities associated with possible design alternatives for the project.
When choosing the most feasible design alternative, the City weighed several factors including:
- Feasibility of the alternative
- Constructability
- Cost, and
- Level of impact to the Somerset Recreation Club
The selected design alternative to decommission the reservoir is the most feasible option with the least impact on the Somerset Recreation Club. This alternative includes stabilizing the reservoir east wall and the soil behind it with steel braces and installing structural fill to replace the weight of the reservoir roof and walls.
The reservoir roof and walls, except the east wall, will be carefully demolished and removed. The remaining reservoir structure will be buried and the hillside will be regraded and landscaped. The graphic below provides an overview of the project design. We will share detailed project design plans at the upcoming virtual public meeting - more information coming soon!
What to expect during construction
The proposed design is expected to have a construction duration of approximately 8 weeks. Traffic Control Plans are being developed and will include either one- or two-lane closures along Somerset Boulevard during construction. The bike route and sidewalk adjacent to the Somerset Recreation Club along Somerset Boulevard will also be inaccessible during the construction period. The construction is planned to take place during the Somerset Recreation Club off-season to minimize the impact on the club’s activities.
Stay informed
- Subscribe to this webpage to be notified of project updates.
- Join our upcoming virtual public meeting on January 24, 2022, to learn more about the project, ask questions or share any concerns. Click the link to register.