Pennsylvania American Water is spending $2.2 million to replace and upsize about three miles of small, aging water main lines this year in its Butler County service areas to improve service reliability and fire protection for residents.

On Monday, contractors began installing a new water main along Kohler Avenue, between Erie and Main Streets in Butler Township. Work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Work outside of those hours is needed only if required to maintain the project schedule.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the project area. The company encourages motorists to find alternative routes and avoid the construction area during project hours.

Other water main replacement projects planned for this year include Pittsburgh Road, Pepperland Boulevard, North Sixth Avenue, North Duffy Road and Meridian Road in Butler Township; North Sixth Avenue in Butler City; and Carol Drive in Jefferson Township.

Pennsylvania American Water already has installed new water mains along Beck Road, North Breezewood Drive, and Colleen Street in Butler Township and along Clinton Avenue in Butler City.

Customers will be notified before the start of construction. Final street restorations will be completed in the fall.

During construction, customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water and lower-than-normal water pressure. Crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences, the company said.

Eagle staff report