Over 40'
Depth
2025
Completion
1500 LN FT
System Repair
Villa La Jolla Storm Drain System Repairs
Orion Construction delivered an emergency design-build replacement of a failed 132/144-inch storm drain under Via La Jolla Drive, stabilizing nearby commercial buildings and restoring one of La Jolla’s primary storm conveyance lines.
A sudden pipe collapse during record rainfall created a sinkhole in the middle of Villa Jolla Drive threatening buildings, critical public infrastructure, and public safety. Orion mobilized immediately with the City of San Diego to implement emergency stabilization, shoring, and permanent storm drain replacement.
The team executed a design-build delivery with Harris & Associates, coordinating real-time engineering with active construction to meet wet-season deadlines. Innovative shoring, grout injections, and engineering solutions to maintain hydraulic capacity were implemented all while maintaining community safety.
Despite adverse weather and 40-foot-deep excavations, the project was completed safely, restoring stormwater capacity before additional storms and providing a corrosion-resistant liner system that extends the life of the city’s infrastructure.
Owner: City of San Diego
Location: Jolla Drive
Designer: Harris and Associates
Contractor: Orion Construction Corporation
Delivery Model: Design-Build
Contract Value: $30.5 million
Schedule: 2024 - 2025
Scope: The Work consists of installing a new cleanout structure to access an existing 40” deep 132”/144” corrugated metal pipe (CMP) storm drain, install repair lining in the existing CMP storm drain with reinforced concrete for 500 LF upstream and 500 LF downstream of the new structure, installation of new interior pipe at a CMP failure point with grout injection to fill voids around the failed pipeline and all identified voids outside of the pipe, and all surface repairs to the major artillery road.
Challenges: The project faced several challenges due to the deteriorating condition of the pipe, which was caving in. This led to safety concerns and the decision not to line part of the pipe, resulting in an alternative design using sliplining with larger pipes to maintain hydraulic capacity for San Diego. Additionally, the project caused significant traffic disruptions on Villa La Jolla Drive, requiring coordination with the city and community to keep the public and local business owners informed. Unanticipated left by the changes in the existing pipe were discovered midway through the project, leading to an expanded scope that included gravity grouting in affected areas after conducting CPT boring to locate the voids.
Results: Orion quickly collaborated with Harris and Associates to assess, design, and construct a solution for the stormwater system emergency failure. The design progressed alongside construction, showcasing the team's agility. SANCON was the primary pipelining company, while Condon Johnson handled grout injections and specialty shoring. Over 1500 LF of storm drain was repaired, a new inlet was built on Villa La Jolla Drive for future access, voids were filled with grout, and all surfaces above the pipe were restored to their previous condition.
