originally posted on December 20, 2016

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) – The Department of Water and Sewerage is currently repairing a 10-inch water main near the intersection of Spring Street and Milam in downtown Shreveport, according to the officials.

The repair is affecting water to the following areas: 400 and 500 blocks of Spring Street; 200 block of Texas Street; 100 and 200 blocks of Milam Street; and 500 and 600 blocks of Market Street.

The city has issued a voluntary boil advisory for this area.

City officials are asking that motorists drive with caution in this area and obey all construction signs and lane closures because of the potential for icy roads with freezing temperatures.

The two west lanes of the 700 through 500 blocks of Spring Street will be closed, officials say. Pipe repairs should be completed by the close of business Monday. However, lane closures will continue for the next couple of days until the road is repaired.

Barbara Featherston, Director of Water and Sewerage, said this water main break is indicative of the challenges the city faces with its aging infrastructure.

“Most of the water and sewer infrastructure in the downtown area is more than 50years old, with some parts nearing the century mark,” Featherston said.  “The City is working to make much-needed repairs.”

Several water main replacement projects have been funded and will begin construction by summer of 2017.

These projects are in addition to the approximately $400 million work that will be spent on the city’s sewer infrastructure as a part of the Consent Decree with the Environmental Protection Agency.