Threading the Needle: Building Dual 42″ Mains in Becks Run Road to Keep Pittsburgh’s Water On

The Becks Run Raw Water Pumping Station and Intake facility are critical to Pennsylvania American Water Company's (PAWC) water supply system, delivering 60 million gallons of raw water per day to the Hays Mine Water Treatment Plant. Aging infrastructure, including four transmission mains installed between 1900 and 1953, suffered from leaks, breaks, and reduced capacity due to tuberculation. To ensure a reliable water supply, PAWC initiated the Becks Run Raw Water Main project, replacing outdated mains with 16,000 linear feet of 42-in. ductile iron pipe. A temporary 6,500-ft-long 36-in. HDPE raw water pipeline was constructed to maintain water flow during the upgrade. The project involved overcoming challenges such as unmarked utilities, maintaining traffic on Becks Run Road, addressing thermal expansion in the temporary pipeline, and boring through hillsides for creek crossings. This upgrade is vital for sustaining water supply reliability and operational efficiency in the Becks Run system.