As earlier reported, New Jersey American Water will replace nearly five miles of aging water main in Lakewood starting next week.

The project also includes replacing 39 fire hydrants and 215 utility-owned service lines along the pipeline route. The company will upgrade the aging 6- and 8-inch cast iron water lines that were installed in the 1960s with new 12-inch ductile iron main along the following streets:

• Route 9 from Locust Street to West Kennedy Boulevard
• Main Street from Route 9 to Clifton Avenue

“This pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure that supplies water directly to thousands of customers in Lakewood,” said Carmen Tierno, Senior Director Operations for New Jersey American Water’s Coastal Region. “Replacing these water mains will improve the delivery of water service to our customers and will strengthen our system for future reliability.”

This $10 million investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for household consumption and fire protection in this community. This improvement is part of New Jersey American Water’s multimillion-dollar initiative to accelerate the renewal of water infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state.

Work will begin on or about January 23 and expected to be completed within approximately one year, weather permitting. Work hours will be at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Work outside of these hours is not expected unless required to maintain project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

“We have been working directly with Lakewood Township officials and the New Department of Transportation to upgrade this important section of water main prior to the upcoming paving of this roadway,” said Tierno.