An Arlington Water Utilities project that recently kicked off in central Arlington will provide about 2 miles of new water and sanitary sewer mains along South Davis Drive, near The University of Texas at Arlington, and improve water pressure in an area bounded by Cooper Street, Fielder Road, Arkansas Lane, and Sanford Street.

The Davis Pressure Plane Expansion Project will be constructed in two phases. Residents in the area will experience a water pressure increase after the completion of both phases of the project, which is anticipated for late 2019.

Phase one of the project includes the replacement of 8 to 16-inch water main and 8-inch sanitary sewer mains under South Davis Drive between West Park Row Drive and UTA Boulevard. Construction started along South Davis Drive from West Park Row Drive to Mitchell Street in early February. After that section is complete, work on South Davis Drive will proceed from Mitchell Street to UTA Boulevard.

Work on the first phase of the project will last about a year. When possible, two-way traffic will be maintained on South Davis Drive. But, detours may be necessary at times, using Fielder Road to the west and Cooper Street to the east. Arlington Water is asking drivers to pay close attention to detour and traffic control signs.

After main replacements are finished on South Davis Drive, approximately 23,150 square yards of asphalt pavement will be reconstructed by street reclamation, along with sidewalk improvements.

A start date has not been set for the second phase of the Pressure Plane Expansion, which includes an additional 14,000 feet of water main replacement along Park Row Drive, Fielder Road and Arkansas Lane.

"This project will not only replace aging water, sanitary sewer and paving infrastructure but also increase the water pressure in an area that is experiencing lower than average daily operating pressures," said Brad Franklin, Arlington Water Utilities Assistant Director-Engineering.

A public meeting about Phase One of the project was held on Jan. 31, 2018. Click here to view the presentation from that meeting. Maps of each phase of the project and periodic updates are available on the Arlington Water Utilities construction page at www.arlingtontx.gov/waterconstruction.