City utility projects to impact traffic and water service in Plymouth

Plymouth residents in two parts of the city should be aware of upcoming utility projects that could temporarily affect traffic flow and water service. City Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson briefed members of the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety during their Monday evening meeting, outlining work that is either already beginning this week or currently being scheduled.

Drivers and homeowners near Angle Street should be prepared for some disruption beginning this week, as the city undertakes a much-needed water main replacement project. The new main will run south from Ewing Street, replacing an aging cast iron line that has become a recurring headache for city crews.

Davidson told the Board the existing main has suffered four to five breaks over just the last three to four years — a problem he attributes to the pipe being installed too shallow and becoming extremely brittle over time. "This project will eliminate that problem," Davidson said.

In a move to keep costs in check, the city will handle the work in-house, though an excavating contractor will be brought in to handle the digging. The approach reflects the department's effort to stretch its maintenance budget without sacrificing quality.

For residents directly affected, Davidson offered reassuring news: homeowners will be without water only long enough for crews to make the connection between their house and the new line — an interruption he estimated at just one to two hours.

Work is expected to begin on the north end of the project this week, with installation of the new main taking approximately one week. The entire project should be wrapped up within two weeks.

A second project is in the coordination stage and will require a road closure when it gets underway. The city is working with a contractor to replace a culvert at the intersection of East Jefferson Street and Richter Road — a project Davidson said will require the road to be closed at that junction for approximately four to five days due to an open cut in the roadway surface.

A start date has not yet been finalized, but Davidson was quick to assure the Board on one important point: the project will not interfere with the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. His hope is the work will be completed well before festival activities begin.

Residents who use the Jefferson Street and Richter Road intersection for their daily commute should stay alert for an upcoming announcement on the project's start date and plan alternate routes accordingly.

Both projects reflect the city's ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure across Plymouth. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the City Utilities Department.