Hellertown Water Line Project to Begin Oct. 17

A water line cleaning project recently awarded to Metra Industries Inc. by the will affect approximately 155 of the authority's customers on First Avenue and Northampton Street beginning Oct. 17, Administrator Glenn Higbie announced in a statement issued Monday.

The project, which may take 6 to 8 weeks to complete, is intended to help prevent further decay of existing water lines, improve water quality and increase water flow when demand is at its peak.

According to Higbie, the customers affected by the work will be provided with temporary water service via above-ground lines while the existing water lines are turned off.

"The contractor will be installing temporary above-ground lines generally located along sidewalks or curb lines and connected to fire hydrants," he said in the statement. "Each property will be connected with a temporary line."

At some intersections, Higbie added, the ends of existing underground pipeline will be excavated to help facilitate the cleaning.

The intersections and streets in those areas may be closed while the work is taking place, but the contractor "intends to install temporary steel plates over the openings so that traffic and emergency vehicles may have access at most times," Higbie said.

The project is expected to cost approximately $263,000, with 66 percent of the funding provided by a state grant approved in 2010.

Each Borough Authority customer affected by the project will receive a mailed notice about the work.

Questions about the project should be directed to Higbie at 610-838-8051 during business hours.