THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is nearing the end of a major project to replace trunk water mains dating back to 1909.
The replacement of two 24-inch mains along a stretch of Marion Street, near Boulevard Lake, marks one of the last major phases of that effort, which began around 20 years ago, said project engineer Brian Newman.
That will mean a more reliable water supply and fewer maintenance issues, he said.
“They’re 110 years old, and they’ve just experienced some corrosion problems, some lead joint issues. We’re constantly replacing and fixing lengths of pipe.”
The city has previously replaced aging sections in the Lakeshore Drive, Black Bay, and Boulevard Lake areas.
Crews with Nadin Contracting began excavation on a 230-metre stretch of Marion, from Dewe Avenue and Current Avenue, earlier this week.
The work includes replacement of two 24-inch water mains, adding domestic eight-inch water lines to feed homes, and replacing a 10-inch sanitary sewer, as well as repaving the road.
“It’s an intensive project – it’s going to be very disruptive for the homeowners for about eight to 10 weeks,” said Newman.
That’s expected to close the stretch of Marion until the end of October.
The project also gave residents on the block a chance to replace lead service lines on their properties at lower cost.
The work is part of a $2.9 million sewer and water main contract awarded to Nadin in April, which also includes water main replacement, road resurfacing, and a new sidewalk on Huron Avenue between Shuniah Street and Toledo Street, and a water main loop along the Leslie Street right-of-way.
