TRAFFIC ALERT: Manchester Road Water Main Work Begins Monday

As previously reported by Patch, there have been numerous recent water main breaks along Manchester Road that have impacted traffic and water service for nearby businesses and residents.

(Read Previous Story: Unusual Batch of Water Main Breaks Along Manchester Road Baffle Officials)

Missouri American Water previously told Patch the breaks were likely due to the age of the water pipes, some of which are more than 70 years old.

Monday, drivers should expect to see crews along Manchester Road, between Henry Avenue and Old Ballwin Road, as a two-mile stretch of water main replacement brings.

Missouri American Water stated in a news release that the project is replacing 70 to 100 year old pipe along the road. This first stretch of the project is expected to last approximately three months and the etire replacement project along Manchester Road is expected to take approximately one year.

The water company said businesses that may be impacted have been notified of the work, plus drivers should expect some traffic delays.

The following details of the replacement project were included in a Missouri American Water news release. 

Starting on Monday, April 8, Missouri American Water crews will begin replacing about 11,000 feet of 70 to 100-year old, 8-inch and 12-inch diameter water mains along Manchester Road between Henry and Old Ballwin Road. 

The project will be completed in about one year.  Crews are working in advance of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s planned Manchester Road pavement resurfacing project slated to begin in early 2014.

The first phase of the project will begin on the north side of Manchester Road between Henry and Baxter Roads, and is slated for completion in about three months. During this first phase of the project, lane closures will be primarily in the inside westbound lane of Manchester Road. As construction proceeds west from Henry Road, the new water line will be installed in various locations along Manchester Road. 

Missouri American Water crews will be working from 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday evenings through early Friday mornings to minimize daytime traffic disruption.   As the project crosses business driveways, crews will work to maintain at least one open driveway lane for businesses that are open in the evening.  

Local businesses have been contacted along the first phase of the project route. Updates will also be available on Missouri American Water’s Facebook page.

The project is part of Missouri American Water’s proactive waterline replacement program.  In 2012, the company invested approximately $58 million in upgrading aging water mains in St. Louis County.