Algood officials closing a section of Dry Valley Road as sewer rehabilitation work continues in the area.
Algood City Administrator Keith Morrison said the closure is necessary because crews are replacing deteriorating sewer lines that run beneath the roadway.
“The city is currently working on sewer rehabilitation, which is installing new sewer lines in areas that have deteriorating lines,” Morrison said. “Because the sewer lines are in the middle of the road in most areas, we’re having to work out in the road and dig up manholes and replace the sewer lines.”
Morrison said crews are currently working between Signature Healthcare and Maxwell Street, with construction activity taking place primarily during daytime hours.
“They’re not starting in the morning until usually after school traffic’s through, so that’s helping some,” Morrison said. “School traffic is probably the biggest concern right now.”
Morrison said the closure has the greatest impact on residents near the work zone, particularly those living at Rolling Meadows Apartments.
“Probably the biggest impact is to Rolling Meadows Apartments because it’s right in front of them,” Morrison said. “The contractor is working with everybody to try to make sure they have access in and out.”
Morrison said the road closure is also affecting traffic patterns in surrounding areas.
“It’s causing traffic to have to back up in other areas,” Morrison said. “It’s creating more traffic on some of the side streets.”
Morrison said the overall sewer rehabilitation project will continue across the city, but the Dry Valley Road closure is expected to be temporary.
“We anticipate Dry Valley Road to be completed within two to three weeks,” Morrison said. “The total project will be completed by March.”
Morrison said the long-term goal of the project is to improve infrastructure and roadway conditions throughout Algood.
“Dry Valley Road had some sinking spots due to sewer line failures and collapses,” Morrison said. “Once this is done, we think that will stop that and improve the overall ability to travel through town.”
City officials are asking motorists to remain patient and use caution while traveling through affected areas during construction.