Dairy Branch Tributary Wastewater Improvement Project, Phase 3

• Project typeWastewater
• Project budget$2.5–4.5 million (construction)
• Project phaseCurrent Status: Construction

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Project Updates

Updates 2026

Construction Update - October 23, 2026

Construction Begins in Section 1

Construction is underway in Section 1 along Park Road near McDonald Avenue. Work will progress north toward Ideal Way, one section at a time, as crews install and replace wastewater pipes to improve system capacity and service reliability.

Traffic patterns and detours may change as construction progresses. The map below highlights preferred business entrances, detour routes and anticipated traffic impacts. Please follow posted signage for the most up-to-date traffic and access information.

Access to homes and businesses may be temporarily impacted during construction. The project team will work with affected residents and business owners to communicate access changes and coordinate alternative arrangements as needed.

Sign up for text alerts to receive timely construction and traffic updates. Text DAIRYBRANCH to 704-584-5959 to sign up.

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Construction Update – October 2026 

Starting on October 6th, McDonald Avenue will be closed at Park Road. This is necessary as crews begin the third phase of wastewater pipe improvements along the Dairy Branch.

The start date has been adjusted reduce traffic impacts due to nearby utility work and other associated traffic impacts in the Park Road and Ideal Way area.

What: 

• Part 1: McDonald/Park Rd intersection will be closed for approximately two days to cross gravity sewer into center of Park Rd.
• Part 2: Once the crossing is complete, intersection above will be reopened, and Park Rd's northbound lane will be closed from McDonald Ave to Ideal Way (10/8-12/8). 

 

Why: Installing new gravity wastewater pipes in Park Rd to increase capacity for the area/basin.

In addition to the above closures, there will be numerous other "sections" of closures and traffic detours along Park Rd (from McDonald Ave to Lennox Ave) and McDonald Ave (from south of Ideal Way to Magnolia Ave) throughout this project. The entire project is anticipated to run from September 2026 to October 2027. Alerts will be sent prior to changes in traffic pattern shifts.

When:

• Part 1: 10/6/2026 - 10/7/2026
• Part 2: 10/8/2026-12/8/2026 

Those who live, work or travel through the area are encouraged to sign up for text alerts to receive timely construction and traffic updates.

Text DAIRYBRANCH to 704-584-5959 to sign up.

Thank you for your patience as work gets underway!

Project overview

This project will install and replace sanitary sewer infrastructure to improve service reliability for residents and businesses in the corridor. The work includes sewer installation and replacement, roadway excavation, intersection crossing work, phased traffic control, and roadway restoration upon completion of construction.

Construction will move through the corridor in multiple phases. Because work happens in stages, traffic patterns and active work zones will shift over time. We will share updates here and notify nearby residents, businesses, and stakeholders in advance whenever possible.

Visiting Businesses Along Park Road? Businesses along Park Road remain accessible during construction, although entrances and travel routes may change. Please follow posted signs and check the latest project updates for current traffic patterns and access information.

What to Expect During Construction

Construction will take place along Park Road and surrounding streets and properties. During construction, residents, businesses and travelers may experience the following:

• Temporary lane closures, traffic shifts and detours
• Intersection closures and temporary detours
• Construction noise, vibration and equipment activity
• Temporary changes to traffic routes and business entrances
• Reduced roadway capacity during active construction
• Temporary changes to pedestrian routes

Construction crews working on behalf of Charlotte Water will wear clothing identifying their company. Construction activities and traffic patterns may change as work progresses along Park Road. The project team will provide advance notice of significant traffic changes whenever possible. However, unexpected field conditions may require changes with shorter notice.

Access to homes and businesses may be temporarily impacted during construction. The project team will work with affected residents and business owners to communicate access changes and coordinate access as needed.

Please follow posted signs for current traffic directions and access information.

Construction Schedule

The project will move through the phases below. Dates are estimates and may shift based on weather, field conditions, and construction sequencing.

Why This Project Is Needed

Sanitary sewer pipes carry wastewater safely away from homes and businesses every day. Over time, this infrastructure needs to be upgraded and replaced to keep service dependable and to protect public health and the environment.

The Dairy Branch Phase 3 project installs and replaces sewer infrastructure along the Park Road and McDonald Avenue corridor. Completing this work now strengthens the reliability of the wastewater pipe system, reduces the risk of future service issues, and supports long-term water and wastewater service quality for the Sedgefield community.

This project is part of Charlotte Water's ongoing investment in the pipes and systems that keep the Charlotte region's water and wastewater services running.