Lane closures began Oct. 9 on a portion of the eastbound lanes of Research Forest Drive to accommodate the installation of a new water pipeline.

A 1.5-mile stretch of Research Forest Drive between Shadowbend Drive and Grogan's Mill Road will see traffic diverted from the eastbound lanes to the westbound lanes, where traffic will travel in each direction. A center turn lane will remain open.

According to the San Jacinto River Authority, which is installing the new pipeline, no access points to any businesses along Research Forest Drive will be closed during the construction period.

Ronda Trow, public relations director for the SJRA, said the impacted lanes could re-open by Jan. 1, but weather could delay completion of the project.

In a release the SJRA stated crews will be working 24/7 to expedite the construction process. As a result, there may be increased noise and lights while crews work around the clock.

The project is part of the SJRA's Groundwater Reduction Program, which includes installation of more than 55 miles of new water pipes throughout south Montgomery County and Conroe. The GRP is in response to a state law that mandates communities must reduce their reliance on groundwater by 30 percent by 2016.

The new pipelines will distribute water to South County communities from Lake Conroe, where the SJRA is constructing a new water treatment facility.

For more information about lane closures throughout The Woodlands and south Montgomery County as part of the Groundwater Reduction Plan, visit www.sjra.net.