By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A major St. Joseph thoroughfare will close for more than a week as Missouri American Water replaces aging water main valves.
Missouri American says Noyes Boulevard will be closed to all traffic at Frederick Avenue until next Wednesday, the 22nd, weather permitting.
Missouri American is replacing five water main valves, some that date back to the early 1900s.
Noyes Boulevard will close to all traffic on both sides of the intersection at Frederick Avenue beginning today, November 13th. Frederick Avenue will remain open with one lane in each direction. Weather permitting, the roads will reopen on or before Wednesday, November 22nd.
Drivers should avoid the area if possible and plan alternate routes. If driving in and around the work zone, drivers should exercise caution by slowing down and paying attention to construction signs.
“These valves are an important part of the water system and can be used to redirect water flow during a main break, ultimately minimizing the interruption of water service and impact to our customers,” John Hontz, senior operations manager, said in a written statement released by Missouri American.
Missouri American Water is investing about $450 million statewide in 2023 to improve service and reliability. This includes replacing and often upsizing over six miles of water pipe in St. Joseph.
Customers can learn more about pipe replacement projects that are planned, in construction and recently completed on Missouri American Water’s website missouriamwater.com by clicking on “Pipe Replacement Map.”