A major water main replacement job has begun on West Beach Street as part of the ongoing citywide Water Main Replacement Program.
Patrice Theriot, the city’s principal engineer, said work got underway on West Beach last week between Rodriuez and Main streets, leading to the closure of the westbound lane. The project will continue eastwards across Main Street up East Beach Street to Lincoln Street with an offshoot moving south on Union Street to Front Street.
Public works officials say that the work to replace and improve aging water infrastructure before unexpected breaks or disruptions occur will conserve water by reducing water leaks, and improve water service and quality.
The system serves over 65,000 customers throughout Watsonville, Corralitos, Freedom and the Pajaro Beach Community.
The City Water Services Crew has an annual goal of replacing at least 1.5 miles of pipeline each year.
Current water main replacement locations also include Riverside Drive, Silver Leaf Drive, Green Meadow Drive, and South Green Valley Road.
Meanwhile, Theriot said residents should be aware of two upcoming projects:
• Resurfacing Bridge Street between Blackburn and Beck streets.
• Replacing the crumbling sidewalks, curb and gutter and strengthening the ground below it on Main Street between Clifford Avenue and Watsonville Square (Nob Hill).
