Lane closures are going into effect Feb. 2 in the heart of the Texas Medical Center as officials with the Houston Public Works Department work on underground wastewater line repairs in the area.

What to know

The work will take place at the intersection of Main Street and University Boulevard, according to information from HPW. Detour signs and reduced speed signs had already been placed in the project area as of Jan. 30. Officials are encouraging drivers to find alternate routes to avoid the intersection during the repairs, which could last through the end of April.

The details

The following closures will be in effect starting Feb. 2:

• Main Street heading northbound will be reduced to two lanes between Dryden Road and University Boulevard.
• University Boulevard heading both westbound and eastbound will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Main and Fannin streets.
• University Boulevard between Main and Travis streets will be completely closed for drivers heading westbound.

A look back

Houston officials alerted drivers to emergency repairs at the intersection on Jan. 10 after a break occurred in a 54-inch wastewater line, which also damaged a nearby 12-inch water line.

Water service was restored to the area within hours of that break, and city officials began planning for long-term repairs to the wastewater line. The repairs taking place through April will not affect water service to nearby buildings, according to HPW information.