Personnel from the Waycross Public Works Department put their new vacuum excavation trailer to work to replace a curbside shutoff valve at a residential water meter shortly after completing hands-on training for using the equipment. The repair was completed in about 30 minutes without any of the issues typically resulting from use of the city’s larger and heavier vacuum truck. The technology used in the new device means faster water and sewer repairs, safer operations and less disruption for residents, department director Matt Elwell said before the Waycross City Commission approved a resolution December 16 for the purchase of the $57,000 trailer. The equipment was bought on a state contract and paid for with a combination of 2023 SPLOST funds and money from the water-sewer budget. The trailer allows public works and ESG Engineering personnel to perform smaller jobs that are difficult for the truck, often because of limited spaces access, Elwell said.
