Rangers to Move Sewer Line for New Ballpark Construction, But Officials Say Service Won't Be Disrupted

ARLINGTON -- Groundbreaking is on the horizon for the new Rangers ballpark, but first things first -- a giant sewer line that serves more than a quarter of Arlington's 388,000 residents will have to be moved. The Rangers will pay for the $11 million project, which shouldn't disrupt utility services, city officials said. Excavation work on the site is expected to begin in September and will continue throughout the process to relocate the line, which is expected to take about four or five months. Approximately 1,600 feet of sanitary sewer pipe, which ranges in diameter from 48 inches to 54 inches, will be constructed to run between the new ballpark and the $250 million Texas Live! mixed-use development. As part of the project, water and sanitary sewer lines, storm drains and other utilities that lie under two parking lots south of Randol Mill Road will be relocated. That's why part of Nolan Ryan Expressway along with sections of parking lots A and B have been closed since Aug. 3. The relocation involves underground tunneling and setting up bypass pumping systems to avoid sewer service interruptions, said Arlington Water Utilities Director Buzz Pishkur. Last year, Arlington voters approved the $1 billion retractable-roof ballpark, which will replace Globe Life Park in time for the 2020 Major League Baseball season. The Rangers would like to break ground on the new stadium sometime this fall, team officials said.No start date has been set for the sewer line relocation, but that work will begin as soon as Manhattan Construction, the new ballpark's general contractor, is ready, Arlington communications coordinator Susan Schrock said.  Continue reading...