Marshall Municipal Utilities

Press Release

May 2, 2005:

Marshall Municipal Utilities plans to start replacing a water main on South Odell in Marshall this week - the week of May 1. The project will be on the east side of Odell from Belle on the north to Rosehill on the south. In addition, water mains will be replaced across Odell at Rosehill, Mission, Highlander and Black Streets. Some of the water mains being replaced were installed in 1934 and others in 1959. MMU General Manager Paul Jensen said these mains may not be very old but the water leak history in this area indicates the condition of pipe is not very good, certainly not good enough to leave under a new street. After MoDOT completes the Odell Avenue widening and curbing project, we do not want to dig up and patch the new street every few months for emergency water main repairs. We want a good quality water main under the new street.

The water main replacement work is expected to take about three months to complete. Much of the work will require closure of one lane of traffic. Flagmen will direct traffic around the work area. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes.

The project will require cutting across business entrances. MMU's Underground Facilities Superintendent Monty Chase said, "We will get across each entrance as quickly as possible and will coordinate our work with the business owners as much as possible to minimize inconvenience."

It will also be necessary, on occasion, to temporarily turn off water service to isolated areas. MMU will attempt to notify customers before water is turned off. Mr. Chase added, "The traffic on Odell, the need to maintain access to businesses, and the very tight working space make this project one of the most complex projects I have worked on. We ask that everyone do their part to ensure it is completed safely."