The city of Austin's Public Works Department began construction May 12 on the Martin Hill water transmission main, and work will affect traffic on McNeil Drive near Parmer Lane.

Eastbound and westbound travel lanes on McNeil are now reduced to two lanes at Parmer. However, traffic lanes on Parmer will not be affected. Starting June 1, construction starts on McNeil between Parmer and McNeil High School. Lane reductions will be in place through Sept. 1.

Lane closures will allow workers to install 3.5 miles of 54-inch water lines from the intersection of Parmer and McNeil to the Martin Hill Reservoir, a 34-million-gallon reservoir located near Loop 1 and Shoreline Drive. It is the city's largest reservoir.

The new water lines will provide needed capacity, connectivity and reliability of water service to North and Northwest Austin, according to city officials.

PWD is working with Austin Water Utility on the Martin Hill project, which will cost $17.2 million. The project is included in Austin Water's long-range facility plan.