This water main extension project for Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is laying the groundwork—literally—for future development in the northern corridor of New Hanover County near Castle Hayne. The work involves just under 20,000 feet of 16-inch water line installed primarily by open cut. About 250 feet are being completed using jack and bores, and another 1,500 feet via directional drills.

The alignment is split between two main areas—along N. College Road and Blue Clay Road. It includes both roadside right-of-way and significant stretches of cross-country installation through wooded areas, where we’ve cleared and grubbed new easements. Some sections are tight—corridors as narrow as 20 to 30 feet—leaving little breathing room for pipe installation, especially with the size of equipment it takes to handle 16-inch PVC.

The project includes multiple connections to the existing water system and new service connections to properties previously on well water. The scope is straightforward—but the limited workspace has added a layer of complexity.

We started work in May 2025 and expect to wrap up in the next several weeks, by the end of February 2026.

We appreciate the opportunity to play a role in supporting the future growth and development of northern New Hanover County and are proud to be part of the team helping make that possible.