Jackson sewer project, last from 1998 bond issue, to be finished by late summer

When the city of Jackson completes the combined Elwanda and Old Toll Road sewer projects at the end of the summer, all of the construction projects approved under a 1998 bond issue will be complete.

"It was about $11 million in water and sewer improvements," said Rodney Bollinger, public works director. "We've been making improvements annually to the water and sewer system, so we've been pecking away at the high priority projects and now we've finally got down to these."

The project costs almost $500,000 and will use up nearly all of what remains of the money the city received more than 10 years ago.

"There may be a little bit of money left over so we can design another project, but we won't be able to build it," Bollinger said.

He did not disclose plans for additional sewer or water projects.

Bollinger said construction crews have made good progress since the start of the project a few weeks ago.

"Things have gone extremely well," he said. "They've laid two or three manholes now and probably 500 or 600 feet of pipe."

Crews began construction near the old skating rink on the far west end of Main Street and will move north toward Oak Street as they work. Construction will end near the intersection of Connie Drive and Strawberry Lane.

When the project is complete, nearly 4,300 feet of sanitary sewer mains will be in place. The new mains will be larger than current ones.

Bollinger said existing sewer lines remain in place and customers will not experience any disruption in sewer service during construction. However, there will be some disturbances.

"As with any type of improvement project, there will be a certain amount of inconvenience to residents in this area regarding increased construction traffic, machine noise, dirt and debris that accompany such jobs," he said. There are also traffic closures and stoppages because of the project.

Construction is being overseen by CE Contracting Inc. of Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Per the contract, 150 consecutive calendar days are allowed for completion of the project, but Bollinger estimates the project will be finished by late summer.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-6635

Elwanda and Old Toll Road Sewer Project road construction zones

Oak Street: from Elwanda Drive to Rolling Fields Drive at Rocky Branch

Route PP:/b> near Dogwood Avenue