The village’s water main replacement project hits the home stretch this week and next.
This week, the newly-installed 12? main along Flint Street is being chlorinated and pressure tested, with plans to do the same along Broadway next week.
Village DPW Superintendent Mike Olson said the contractor (C & P Construction Co., Inc.) will be temporarily shutting down existing water mains while the new connections are made.
Olson said the shutdowns will not last longer than a couple of hours and businesses will receive notice of the shutdowns at least 24 hours in advance.
‘With all the restaurants and salons in downtown, we’re hoping to provide even more notice than that,? he said.
Flyers distributed last week informed businesses that water might have a rusty color once it is turned back on. If this is the case, Olson said to turn on all faucets and let them run until the water is clear ? at which point it is satisfactory for use.
During reconnections, all lead/galvanized services will be replaced with copper. In addition, if new water service disturbs sidewalks or driveways, the areas will be replaced in kind by C & P.
Following each water main installation, the disturbed sections of road will be repaired and restored, with what Olson called a ‘base aggregate material and a deep strength asphalt section.?
With the Flower Fair slated for this weekend in downtown, Olson said chloride on the roads will be applied to help dust control.
‘I stressed to the contractor that this is a big event, so they’re going to make sure there aren’t any big potholes in the roads or anything like that,? he said.
Olson joked that perhaps topsoil would work better than gravel to fill the holes during the fair.
Officials from the DDA added that they are confident the fair will run smoothly in spite of the construction.
Olson said the water main work should be completed in time for the Memorial Day Parade on May 26 and added the restorative work will be finished in time for the Jubilee around July 4.
‘Weather permitting, everything should move smoothly,? he said, noting the project has been on schedule to this point.