VIDEO: Cocoa Utilities Director Jack Walsh Provides SR 520 Transmission Line Repair Update

By  //  October 15, 2017

Water Flow Resumes IN SR 520 Transmission Line

ABOVE VIDEO: City of Cocoa Utilities Director Jack Walsh gives a visual presentation on the State Road 520 transmission line failure that occurred during Hurricane Irma, and what has been done to get that line back in service. (City of Cocoa video)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The City of Cocoa Utilities Department completed repairs to the 36 inch water transmission main break in the Indian River and final testing was done last week.

Utilities staff opened the isolation valves to allow water to flow from Cocoa to Merritt Island along the State Road 520 corridor. Failed sections of pipe were found to be the main cause for the loss in system pressure during Hurricane Irma and have remained isolated to complete the needed repairs.

Water was being delivered to all barrier island customers through alternate pipes in the system.

During Hurricane Irma, the river bed under this water transmission main, along the State Road 520 corridor, experienced undermining from the force and velocity of the currents flowing through the channel which left certain sections of the pipes suspended and subjected to the storm surge.

The joints connecting the pipes gave out, causing the break and loss in pressure to the entire system at about 4:30 a.m., on Monday, September 11 during the storm.

Within hours of this break, caused by this historically destructive storm system, utilities staff worked to isolate the system at the break, re-route water through the system and was able to reestablish service to all of our customers in approximately 2½ days.

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One week after the storm had passed, a dive crew had been fully mobilized and began the necessary repairs to the transmission line, as well as inspecting the entire subaqueous line along State Road 520.

“Although this is a significant step towards returning the utility system to full operation, there is still work to be completed,” said utilities officials.

The diving contractor will continue to work over the next few weeks to support undermined pipes and cover and protect exposed pipes along State Road 520.

In addition, concrete joints and encasements must be poured underwater to protect the repair pieces installed. Moreover, the divers will also complete additional underwater assessments along State Road 528 and State Road 401 subaqueous crossings and implement any corrective measures as needed.

One week after the storm had passed, a dive crew had been fully mobilized and began the necessary repairs to the transmission line, as well as inspecting the entire subaqueous line along State Road 520.

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