Aging Water Main Replacement Begins This Week In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — New Jersey American Water is set to begin replacement of aging water main in Ocean City and Somers Point starting this week.

About 4,060 feet of aging water main will be replaced in both towns, the company said in a release.

The 8- and 12-inch ductile iron and concrete water lines that were installed as far back as the 1950s will be upgraded with new 6-, 8- and 12-inch PVC main along the following streets:

• Anchorage Drive from 52nd Street to 55th Street
• West 55th Street from Bay Avenue westbound to the dead end

Somers Point

• Paul Clark Drive entire length

The project also includes replacing six fire hydrants and 122 utility-owned service lines along the pipeline route. Additionally, New Jersey American Water said that the company will replace any customer-owned service line that has been identified as lead or galvanized as part of a statewide initiative to remove all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.

"This $1.5 million investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for household consumption and fire protection in these communities," the company said. "These improvements are part of New Jersey American Water's multimillion-dollar initiative to accelerate the renewal of water infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state."

Pioneer Pipe Contractors, Inc., will begin work this week and expects to be complete within about two months, weather permitting, New Jersey American Water said.

Work hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work outside of these hours is not expected unless required to maintain project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed in spring of 2023.

Project timelines are subject to change, so New Jersey American Water suggests customers for alerts through their MyWater account and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter to receive project updates.

"For the public's and workers' safety, traffic restrictions and/or alternating traffic patterns are likely to occur during work hours. All emergency vehicles and local traffic will be allowed access during construction," the company said. "New Jersey American Water values the safety of its workers and advises drivers and pedestrians to take caution in the vicinity of work sites."