Bellaire officials will begin construction the week of July 13, pending weather, on a project to replace aging and undersized water distribution mains along South Rice Avenue.
The work is part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve system reliability, enhance water quality and increase fire flow capacity for residents, according to a July 10 news release.
What to expect
Construction is anticipated to begin on South Rice Avenue between Jessamine Street and Pine Street, per a memo from the city. Work will then progress onto the surrounding side streets as the project continues. Residents can expect to see traffic impacts in the designated construction areas as well as lane reduction, detours and/or reduced speeds near the project zone.
City officials said all work will take place within the city's right of way, although driveway access could be temporarily affected during portions of the project.
Community Relations Administrator Cheryl Bright said construction is expected to last through August 2027.
About the project
The waterline replacement project was selected as one of the Capital Projects for fiscal year 2026-27. The work includes design, replacement of waterlines, valves, fittings, service connections and pavement restoration.
The upgrades are expected to resolve long-standing issues with water loss from leaks and increase fire flow capacity, which is the rate of water supply available from a municipal system or fire hydrant to extinguish a fire.
Project engineer James Andrew said that by proactively replacing aging infrastructure before failure occurs, the city is reducing future maintenance costs, minimizing disruptions to residents and ensuring a dependable water distribution system.
The $5 million initiative is partially funded by a $3.1 million Environmental Protection Agency grant, per prior reporting.
