Evansville to Undertake Major Water Line Project

Evansville announces $8 million water line project. (image from WEHT video)

The city of Evansville has announced an $8 million infrastructure project to replace a nearly 1.5-mile stretch of water line which could create a headache for drivers for several months.

Our partners at WEHT-TV report the city intends to install a 7,400 foot, 36-inch water main on First Avenue, a heavily traveled thoroughfare on the city’s northwest side.

The project will stretch from Morgan Avenue to Colonial Avenue.

“First Avenue will be reduced down to at least one lane open in both directions. So it won’t be a four lane anymore the construction and line is going to happen right in the center of the street that’s the only space that’s available in the corridor to install a pipe of this size,” said Mike Labitzke with Evansville Water and Sewer Utility.

The station reports construction will begin in March and run through 2021. Officials warn it’s going to take some patience from drivers, but also residents and businesses who should expect periodic water shutoffs.

The TV station reports the city has had to fix more 900 water main breaks since 2018. The city’s Refresh Evansville program was launched some time ago to replace much of the 600 miles of water line in the city. Some of the system is more than 100 years old.

Labitzke says there are 21 more water line projects to complete this year, but the First Avenue project is by far the largest undertaking.

Click here to view the WEHT report.