ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Construction is beginning on a multi-year project to replace the Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Carrier Bridge Pump Station along the French Broad River, with river access closures expected during parts of the work.
Temporary cofferdams made of rock and water bladders will extend from the riverbank into the river’s center during in-water construction, which is expected to last about 18 months. The pump station replacement is projected to take 36 months, starting this winter.
The $75.3 million pump station contract was awarded July 16 to Ruby-Collins, Inc., with work on the station and associated piping at French Broad River Park scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Cleary Construction — awarded a $12.9 million contract for the pipeline river crossing — mobilized at the site and began pre-construction work in late July, including grading, silt fence installation and material delivery. In-water work began Aug. 4 and will require frequent truckloads of rock for a cofferdam to install a new pipeline across the river…