MUD ‘one step closer’ on Hwy. 82 project

8:21 p.m. Nov. 11, 2025

MUD 'one step closer' on Hwy. 82 project

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

The Metro Utility Department met on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to review ongoing plans to extend the water line along Highway 82 toward the Bedford County line. Officials say this project will improve service reliability and support future development on Moore County’s northern side.

Engineer Bryant Griffin presented preliminary figures for the installation of two new pump stations – one on Highway 82 and another along County Line Road. Each station would feature a five-horsepower pump capable of moving 50 gallons per minute, sufficient to serve 25 homes under current guidelines from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).

The identical pump systems are projected to cost roughly $100,000 apiece – not including the necessary water pipe.

Officials said the proposed setup allows for future expansion. If growth exceeds the current design, the system can handle larger pumps, up to 10 or 15 horsepower, without major structural changes.

“We don’t want to oversize it today and cause problems with the system,” Griffin said. “But this design gives you room to grow without starting over.”

The Highway 82 line would extend about 2,400 feet with six-inch pipe, and the County Line extension would run about 2,300 feet. Another 6,300 feet of four-inch pipe is planned for Womack Ridge Road. Officials said right-of-way agreements with local landowners are still being finalized.

The full scope of the project is still being developed because cost estimates for pipe, materials, and installation are changing with the market. Once all figures are available, the department will start the formal bid process, as required for public projects over $25,000.

MUD Chairman Barry Posluszny told a handful of hopeful residents in attendance, “We’re one step closer. Until we get all the material costs in, we can’t vote on it, but we’re getting there.”

The board agreed to discuss the project again at its next meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 9, after receiving the final cost estimates and right-of-way documents.

• The board also received a progress update on replacing residential and commercial water meters. MUD Manager Ronnie Cunningham said 2,000 of the 2,700 residential meters have been installed. Crews expect to complete the upgrade next month, pending weather and supplier schedules.