To serve customers, CLTWater has water pipes under most roads, including crossing under highways and interstates.

So what happens when there is a leak or a necessary repair under a highway or interstate?

It starts with a lot of planning and preparation.

Teams of engineers and crews investigate the scope of the repair and begin working with the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to minimize impact on drivers.

Example: In the fall of 2024, crews installing a new pipe under Interstate 85 found excessive water entering the tunneling pits. Investigations revealed two underground leaks and cracked asphalt, which showed signs of water damage.

• The team worked on an emergency plan.
• At least one lane was closed on the interstate from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am Monday through Friday for at least a month.
• Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans of each lane of the interstate helped identify the location of leaks and voids under the asphalt.
• Stabilizing foam was injected under multiple lanes. More than 600, ¾ inch diameter holes were bored and injected to stabilize the subsurface.
• The pipes were investigated from the inside using robot cameras. The pipes were in good condition, but some seals needed to be temporarily installed to keep them in service.
• New pipes were installed inside the existing pipes to maintain use and minimize leaks.

Additional Resources:
How Charlotte Water Repairs Water Pipe Leaks | Charlotte Water Blog