Hasty Utilities Tank on Interstate 540, Raleigh, NC - Water Towers on Waymarking.com

First, some history. In March of 1986, Hasty Utilities hired Robert T. Newcome III, RLS (Registered Land Surveyor), to map out a 0.23-acre lot for a proposed water tank. The parcel would be 100x100 feet square. The resulting map was recorded at the Wake County Register of Deeds on April 4, 1986. Interestingly, it shows the parcel encroaching about fifty feet into land reserved for the eventual construction of a “super-loop” highway, which we know today as Interstate 540.

The recorded map was used to apply for construction and operating permits, including a temporary easement for construction access. Also included were permanent easements for an access road and utility placement. When everything was satisfactory, Hasty Utilities purchased the land from an individual. The transaction was recorded on May 23, 1986.

The Deed specifically called for the construction easement to terminate by June 1, 1987. Hence, we know the tank’s age. Completion probably occurred between January and May of that year. It stands today, atop a 40-foot steep bank, next to the 540-Loop. And every time I drive by, I marvel that the tank still exists. Here’s why:

*On December 28, 1988, eighteen months after completion, the tank and land were sold to Heater Utilities, which took possession of this, and 55 other community water systems formerly owned by Hasty. The tank still bears the label “Hasty Utilities”, which suggests that it has not been painted in 20 years. In fact, rust is starting to show on some of the tower legs.

*There are no cellular antennas on the water tank. Heater Utilities is leasing space to cell phone companies on its other nearby tanks. This tower would be an ideal location. So why not enter into a lease which could pay $15K to $25K per year?

*The tank was designed to serve “Phase 1 of the Coleridge Estates Subdivison”. There is no such subdivision in real estate records. Perhaps it served nearby subdivisions, early on. But city water is now available in the area. Is this storage vessel needed?

*Why was this tank allowed to encroach into the right-of-way of an Interstate highway? Other structures, including a radio tower, were removed for road construction.

But the BIG question concerns an engineering issue. Water tanks are very heavy. Really, really heavy! Logic says you cannot have a tall, heavy structure at the very edge of a steep bank (which was cut away to construct the highway, 40 feet below). Even with the cement retaining wall, the downward pressure must be tremendous. There is very little dirt on the north side to dissipate the weight of the northern two tower legs.

Therefore, I won’t be surprised if I am driving along I-540 in the next two to three years and see a crew taking down the tower. I’m convinced that its days are numbered. Anybody want to wager a box of hot Krispy Kream donuts that I’m right?

Directions: The tower is visible from the 540-Loop, but it is dangerous to stop for a photo. To reach the base, take Exit 9 (Creedmore Road) and go south 200 feet. Go left (east) on Baileywick Road (SR1830) and travel 1.15 miles. Turn left onto Hunter Road (a private, paved roadway) and go 0.21 miles to the barricade. Turn right onto a gravel road (which is a 25-foot wide access easement). In 400 feet, you will be at the base of the tower, where there is a wide turn-around area.

The tower is surrounded by a chain-link fence. Concrete right-of-way markers for I-540 are visible on the east and west sides of the parcel.


References:
Map Book 1986, Page 0563
Deed Book 3731, Page 0001
Deed Book 4410, Page 0862

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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/30/2021 dream chaser visited it