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WILKES-BARRE — Pennsylvania American Water began an infrastructure project to replace water mains, some more than 100 years old, in the city.
The utility will replace nearly 7,000 feet of pipe, some dating back to 1865, at a cost of approximately $1.1 million. The project will improve reliability for customers, reduce disruptions and increase water flow for firefighting, the utility said.
“To ensure that we continue to provide reliable water service to our customers, we need to reinvest in the local water infrastructure, particularly the areas where 100-year old pipeline needs to be replaced,” Traci Cross, senior manager, operations, Pennsylvania American Water, said Monday in a press release.
Earlier this month the utility began replacing 4-inch and 6-inch cast iron mains with new 8-inch ductile iron pipe. Among the locations where the work will take place are:
• Dougher Lane.
• Essex Lane.
• South Franklin Street.
• Regent Street.
• Hayes Lane.
• Lloyds Lane.
The project also includes the installation of 900 feet of new pipe under Center Street in Wilkes-Barre Township.
Construction crews will work between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Traffic restrictions will be in place during construction. The utility expects to complete the water main installation, including transfer of all customer services, final restoration and paving by the end of summer.
During construction, customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water and/or lower than normal water pressure. Crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences. For more information, contact Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center at 1-800-565-7292.