United States International University (USIU) Miramar Trunk Sewer Replacement Project

The community of Scripps Miramar Ranch has been growing fast. Fortunately, it won’t suffer growing pains or exceed the capacity of its trunk sewer, which dates back to the 1960s. With some upgrades and new mains—installed with minimal impact on traffic and schools—the region is now poised for continued growth.

Harris served as the construction management firm of record for the United States International University (USIU) Miramar trunk sewer replacement project, providing:

• Full resident engineering services and inspection
• Contractor compliance guidance
• Traffic mitigation
• Coordination with the city
• Community outreach

The project entailed installation of two miles of new sewer main, including tunneling 600 feet to cross under the I-15 freeway while avoiding boulders and a sensitive double-barrel aqueduct.

With easement access delayed at a traditional downstream starting point, Harris saved the community costly delays by beginning the project upstream—an unconventional yet creative and lucrative solution.

Core Elements

The $4.2 million project included:

• Installing two miles of new sewer main, ranging from 18 to 24 inches in diameter
• Replacing 1,400 feet of pipe in place
• Creating a new complex junction structure to connect the USIU-Miramar trunk sewer with the existing system
• Slurry seal and striping
• Landscaping and re-vegetation to comply with mitigation requirements in open space areas

Beyond the Blueprints

Not wanting to disrupt the typical flow of life in this vibrant area, Harris worked on multiple fronts to keep the community moving throughout the effort.

We worked closely with administrators of the middle school fronting the project to minimize conflicts during school hours. To reduce impact on heavily-traveled Pomerado Road, we performed potholing and inspections at night and managed traffic.

Harris team members collaborated with the city to coordinate and relocate utilities. We also worked hard to preserve the area’s pristine beauty by identifying, reseeding and re-vegetating numerous plant communities and sensitive vegetation.

And we kept communication channels open, apprising the community of progress through the city's website and Facebook pages and attending each city department meeting.