The Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Milwaukee, located at 5000 West National Avenue, is not just a medical facility but a testament to our nation’s commitment to its veterans. Built just after the Civil War and absorbed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in the 1930s, the facility includes a 10-story hospital building that was expanded and re-opened in 1966 to offer a broader range of services. Named after Congressman Clement J. Zablocki, a staunch advocate for veterans’ rights, the medical center stands as a symbol of our ongoing dedication to meeting the healthcare needs of our veterans. The Water Main Replacement project is a crucial part of this commitment, aiming to replace the aging water main between Building 43 and Building 102, ensuring a more reliable and efficient water supply system for the hospital.
This ongoing project includes installing approximately 700 linear feet of new ductile iron water main piping, involving extensive demolition and construction work. The project’s key components include removing an abandoned brine tank and demolishing an old steam tunnel discovered in the trench path. Significant concrete and asphalt work is required to restore surfaces affected by the construction activities. The scope also encompasses trenching to connect the sterilization building, power plant, and The Fisher House, necessitating careful excavation, shoring, and using ground-penetrating radar, potholing, and exploratory digging to locate old lines and connections. Given the project’s location within an operational hospital, special attention is needed to minimize disruptions to hospital operations and ensure continuous water supply.
