The Frequently Asked Questions Guide (FAQ) provides answers to some of the more common questions residents, businesses and others have about City of Tampa's Utility Capital Improvement Projects program. If you would like additional information, call the program hotline at (813) 777-9222.

• What does UCAP stand for?
  UCAP stands for Utility Capital Improvement Projects (UCAP). UCAP is an important pipeline improvement program through which the City of Tampa is continuing to invest in neighborhoods. UCAP improves reliability and service by replacing the City’s aging water and wastewater pipelines and improving the stormwater system.



• What kinds of projects are included in UCAP?
  UCAP includes a number of important projects, including one wastewater replacement pipeline, one new drinking water pipeline, and a number of drinking water pipeline replacement projects. Many of these projects are about protecting the public’s safety. They will improve service reliability, improve water pressure and improve fire protection.



• Why is UCAP necessary now?
  The City of Tampa has a rich history dating back to the mid to late 1800s. With that long history come aging pipelines that must be replaced to ensure service reliability. In fact, some of the pipelines scheduled for replacement have already failed, causing major disruptions and costly repairs.
  
  Improving the City’s utility systems now ensures reliable service for Tampa’s residents and businesses.



• Who will benefit from these projects?
  Residents and businesses throughout Tampa will benefit from UCAP. Those served by the various drinking water pipelines will see improved water service reliability, improved water pressure and improved fire protection. And, with an improved drinking water system, the City will be able to serve proposed redevelopment in Tampa. Wastewater improvements will serve the community with improved service reliability.



• How is the City funding the UCAP program?
  UCAP is a series of pipeline improvement projects, all of which are funded differently. You can find more information on a specific project and its funding by going to the UCAP website - www.tampa-UCAP.com - then clicking on Projects, and selecting Facts under the project in which you are interested.



• When will you start construction and how long will it take?
  Construction for the overall UCAP program began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in 2011 for all projects. Each project has its own surveying, borings, design and construction timeline. The most current schedule for each project can be found on the UCAP website by clicking on Projects then selecting Schedule under the project in which you are interested.



• When will you start construction in my neighborhood?
  The schedule for each project varies, but residents and businesses along a pipeline route will be notified before construction begins. You will first receive a construction notification letter prior to scheduled construction. The week preceding active construction in an area, a door hanger will be left at your property. The schedule for each project is posted on this web site; click on Projects then select Schedule under the project in your area.



• How long will you be in front of my house?
  To minimize public impact and expedite construction, multiple crews will work simultaneously on different sections of each pipeline route. In most areas, we anticipate a three-week construction timeline: week 1 for utilities relocation, site preparation and pavement removal; week 2 for trenching, pipe installation and back-filling; and week 3 for temporary curb/gutter repair, drainage restoration and temporary paving. In areas that require dewatering, several blocks of dewatering pipe installation will precede the start of week 2 activities. Landscape, final curb and gutter, and asphalt pavement patching will be completed every 1,000 feet of construction zone. Final pavement overlay will be completed in approximately one-mile increments.


Click here to see what to expect before, during and after UCAP construction activities


• Will I be able to get in and out of my driveway during construction?
  We recognize that construction is an inconvenience, no matter how quickly it proceeds. Maintaining access to businesses, homes, and other properties will be a top priority. There may be times where driveway and/or sidewalk access may be restricted or inaccessible. Affected residents will be notified the prior day with expected length of restriction. A project inspector will be in the construction area to assist residents and businesses, or you can call the hotline (813) 777-9222 if assistance is needed.



• What safety precautions are you taking with all these construction projects?
  Safety is built into each UCAP project from planning through construction. Protecting the public, work crews and the environment is extremely important. Each construction site will adhere to strict safety standards, and each construction crew will have a supervisor who is responsible for safety in the work area.
  
  UCAP program safety is overseen by safety professionals who will conduct regular safety meetings during construction and will conduct periodic safety inspections at each work site. Each site will be secured daily or nightly once construction has stopped. Trenches and tunnel shafts will be covered, secured and barricaded. Equipment will be stored behind flashing barricades or orange safety fencing, and warning signs will instruct people to stay away from restricted construction areas.
  
  Residents can do their part to ensure safety by maintaining a safe distance from construction areas and by discouraging children from approaching construction sites.



• Will you have to close roads for the UCAP program? How will you keep traffic moving?
  Road closures, lane closures or detours will vary from project to project. Before construction begins, the UCAP team will work closely with local and state transportation authorities to develop plans to keep traffic safely moving. Emergency services, HARTline and Hillsborough County public schools will be notified in advance of detours and lane closures. Alternative pathways for pedestrians and bicycle traffic will also be identified.
  
  Detours and lane closures will be clearly marked with signs. Detours requiring longer durations will be posted on the UCAP website.



• How will you handle traffic during special events?
  Our construction schedule will avoid most major events, such as Gasparilla. For smaller events, we will work closely with the City and event organizers to minimize disruptions.



• What will happen to the beautiful tree that is in front of my house?
  We understand that trees add to our quality of life. Protecting the trees in your neighborhood will be key in route planning, pipeline design and construction. The City’s arborist will assist the project team through planning, route selection, design and construction, ensuring maximum protection of trees.
  
  If trimming of trees is necessary in certain areas, the team will follow the City arborist requirements for their care and preservation. Tree canopies will be considered when planning the size of equipment used during construction and root systems will also affect what construction techniques, such as tunneling under some root systems, will be considered. Door hangers will notify property owners if tree trimming will take place in affected areas.



• Will you have to turn off my water during construction?
  There may be temporary water service interruptions as old pipelines are retired and new pipelines are placed in service. Every effort will be made to keep expected interruptions as brief as possible, typically no more than 2-3 hours. We will notify affected residents and businesses the day before an expected interruption in service and provide the anticipated time frame of the interruption.



• Will you be working at night?
  Most construction will take place during normal working hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. To minimize travel disruptions, some pipelines will be installed during nights and weekends in commercial areas, including Downtown, or where pipeline routes cross busy roads. No work will take place on major holidays. If weekend make-up days must be scheduled, residents and businesses in the affected area will be notified in advance.



• Will it be noisy?
  When active construction is in your neighborhood, you can expect to hear heavy equipment during normal working hours (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). All construction will comply with local noise ordinances. We have also taken steps to minimize noise by using the quietest dewatering equipment available. This type of dewatering pump may be in place for up to 14 days, but crews will attempt to locate the equipment to minimize noise.



• I have a business along one of the pipeline routes. Will my customers be able to reach my business?
  We recognize that construction is an inconvenience, no matter how quickly it proceeds. Maintaining access to businesses, homes, and other properties will be a top priority. There may be times where access may be restricted or inaccessible. Affected businesses will be notified the prior day with expected length of restriction. A project inspector will be in the construction area to assist residents and businesses, or you can call the hotline (813) 777-9222 if assistance is needed.

 

• How will my landscaping look when you are finished?
  City right-of-way, including permanent easements that have been acquired from private property owners, will be restored with sod. Residents who have special or unique landscaping in the City right-of-way will be notified one week prior to construction, so that the homeowner can relocate unique landscaping prior to work in the area.
  
  If you have a concern about your property, please call the UCAP hotline, (813) 777-9222, and a project inspector will contact you, usually within one working day.

 

• How were the routes selected?
  The route selection process varies depending on whether a pipeline replaces an existing line or is new to the system. For new pipelines, the UCAP team analyzes and considers a number of factors when comparing and selecting pipeline routes. Criteria such as safety, pipeline diameter, proximity to schools, traffic impacts, pedestrian impacts, proximity to other utilities, the environment, route length and cost are all considered. Public input is also considered in the route selection process.
  
  A replacement pipeline typically follows the route of the pipeline that is being retired, although there are exceptions. For example, the 12th Street wastewater pipeline was routed to avoid disrupting the existing 12th Street wastewater pipeline. In this case, the UCAP team analyzed potential routes based on the above-listed criteria.
   
• How will I recognize the project inspectors who are supposed to be in the area?
  Project inspectors will be working in each construction area. The project inspectors are easily recognized by their blue vests and blue hardhats.
   
• Who is the company that Tampa selected to build UCAP?
  The City of Tampa selected a design-build construction method for this project which will save time and money while minimizing public inconvenience.
  
  CH2M HILL Constructors is the design-build team that is responsible for the UCAP program from start to finish. CH2M HILL and their team of designers and constructors closely collaborate on all aspects of the UCAP program to ensure the best construction solutions and the least community impact.
   
• What happens with construction in the event of a big storm? Or a hurricane?
  Planning for heavy rains and hurricanes is an essential part of any construction project in Florida.
  
  As severe weather approaches, construction is suspended and crews focus on securing construction sites to protect equipment and minimize delays. To protect the work site from heavy rains, open trenches will be filled and any heavy equipment in low lying areas will be moved to higher ground.
  
  Additionally, if a hurricane approaches the Tampa Bay area, the UCAP team will remove temporary signage, fences and barricades and will work closely with local and state transportation officials to open lanes closed due to construction to aid in the flow of traffic.
   
• Our community group would like someone to come to our meeting and explain UCAP in more detail.
  You can schedule a speaker by calling the UCAP hotline at (813) 777-9222 during operator hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday). The operator will take information about your meeting and forward it to a project representative. The representative will schedule a convenient time to meet with your group.
  
  If you cannot call during operator hours, leave a detailed message on the hotline voice mail and we will return your call as soon as possible.