STRUTHERS — The second phase of a $1.6 million water main replacement project downtown is set to begin this week. The Aqua Ohio project area includes Bridge Street, Bob Cene Way, Main Street and Liberty Street.

“Phase one was on the south side of the railroad tracks, and that was completed about a month ago,” said Struthers Safety Service Director Bob Benson.

Benson said at the same time, Enbridge Ohio is replacing high- and low-pressure gas lines in the same area, which will create greater congestion than normal.

“Traffic will be slow, but it’s not supposed to be interrupted until Aqua goes under the railroad tracks, and then there will be a temporary closure of (state Route) 616,” Benson said. “That date has not been set, but we’ll try to give as much notice as we can.”

Benson said Aqua and Enbridge are paying for their projects, and there is no cost to the city.

“We’re just trying to make sure traffic flows smoothly and make sure our streets and sidewalks are restored per our city ordinances,” he said.

Benson said the project is standard for the company and will ensure better service and prevent problems.

“Aqua Ohio is always replacing lines,” he said. “I’m pretty sure they’re just trying to make more use of their Campbell water treatment facility, so these lines need to be enlarged to prevent future breakage.”

A press release from Aqua Ohio states that family-owned S.E.T. Inc. of Lowellville was selected for the job. The project is expected to conclude by the end August.

The job entails replacing more than half of a mile of old water main ranging in diameter from 6-inch to 12-inch with new ductile iron pipe that is stronger and more corrosion resistant.

The company also will install six new hydrants for fire protection and 14 new valves to isolate sections of water main for future maintenance or repairs.

New Aqua-owned service lines will be installed for 33 customers and any property with lead or galvanized customer-owned service lines will be replaced at no direct cost to the customer through Aqua’s Lead Service Line replacement program.

“The purpose of this project is to increase water flow and improve reliability of service through Struthers and in the city of Campbell,” said Aqua Ohio Area Manager Jennifer Johnson. “This investment will assure adequate supply for periods of high demand.”

All area businesses will remain accessible throughout the project. However, traffic patterns will need to be adjusted temporarily when work is active in the immediate area. Drivers are asked to use extra caution and be mindful of traffic flaggers and work zone signage.

Customers along the construction route will experience short-term service disconnections near the end of the project as their properties are connected to the new mains. They will be notified in advance of the interruptions.

Johnson said the company expects to spend more than $72 million across Aqua’s 40 Ohio systems in 2025 and approximately $12.2 million of that will be invested in the Mahoning Valley.