Water Main Replacement Project Update
As a motorist and resident of the Borough, you have likely observed and experienced first-hand our ongoing investment in infrastructure improvements. For example, since October, the Borough has been replacing approximately 1.9 miles of aging water mains on various residential streets throughout the Borough. The project’s contractor has worked diligently installing new water mains, replacing water valves, hydrants, and service laterals, and performing temporary patching.
Some individuals have reached out questioning temporary patching practices for these impacted streets. Temporary patching is a common practice during fall and winter timeframes because PennDOT’s (and best practices) official paving season runs from April 1 to October 31. In order to properly repave roads, our air temperature needs to be 40 degrees and rising, with road surface temperatures at or above 50 degrees. Additionally, asphalt plants typically shut down during the off-season. So, even if the weather is warm enough and PennDOT would allow paving, materials would not be available until asphalt plants reopen (April timeframe). Once the asphalt plants reopen, our contractor, along with contractors conducting work elsewhere throughout the region, will be placing their asphalt orders, and the contractor can then begin repaving the streets impacted by this important work.
We will provide updates on the upcoming paving here on social media and on our website. Many of our water distribution lines are aging and have exceeded or are approaching the end of their typical operating life. By replacing the aging lines, we ensure our residents have a clean and reliable water system for generations to come. We appreciate your understanding and support of this work!
**Public Works Director Mark Malarich recently spoke to the Sentinel about the Water Main Replacement Project. If you are interested in learning more, visit: http://bit.ly/3ISKzoE.**
