Photo by Google MapsSixth and Seventh Street will be greatly affected by wastewater pipe replacement in July.
Downtown Austin's traffic may become worse the next two weeks while aging wastewater pipes are replaced.
On July 14, Austin Water Utility began the project's first phase by replacing pipes along Sixth and Seventh streets. The work required some lane closures that will last until July 17. However, during the project's second phase, the two streets will be closed down entirely beginning July 21 and will remain closed through July 25, according to a city of Austin news release.
The project will cause "significant traffic disruptions," according to the city, despite the utility using trenchless technology to replace the pipes.
Also during Phase 1 of the pipe replacement operation, the alley adjacent to Congress Avenue will close with the exception of deliveries and employees that need to enter.
During Phase 2, all lanes on Sixth and Seventh streets between Congress Avenue and Brazos Street will close beginning at 7 a.m. Alleys adjacent to the 600 and 700 blocks of Congress Avenue will close except for deliveries and employee access.
Austin Police Department will provide an officer in these areas to allow traffic in and out of parking garages on Sixth and Seventh streets.
Sixth and Seventh streets will reopen for normal traffic at 6 a.m. July 25, according to the news release.
