originally posted on December 20, 2016

SHREVEPORT, La. –

A busted water main means a detour for those who drive through downtown Shreveport.

The two west lanes in the 500, 600 and 700 blocks of Spring Street will be closed Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.  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.

A pipe burst in that area Sunday evening, triggering a black ice warning.  Crews spent most of Monday repairing the pipe.

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 50-years old, with some parts nearing the century mark,” Featherston said. “The City is working to make much needed repairs

A boil advisory has also been issued for the area around the repair work.  This includes parts of Spring, Texas, Milam, and Market Streets.  Remember to boil your water for one minute before consuming it.

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.