Benton Utilities announced Thursday morning their plan to begin replacing underground water lines that are around a century old. Water infrastructure began in Benton in 1916. For reference, that’s the first year the Chicago Cubs played at what is now Wrigley Field – a time when less than 4% of people all over the world owned an automobile. It was a time before even Betty White was born.
The Water Department is beginning the improvements as soon as possible to replace the oldest water lines and fire hydrants, as well as install additional fire hydrants. They will begin in areas on the south side of Interstate 30, in the west section of the city limits of Benton.
Jefferson St and Jackman St will be the first to get new water infrastructure.
The project on these two streets is projected by the utility company to take up to six months in 2022. Read the full statement from Benton Utilities below:
Benton Utilities Water Department is constantly engineering and attempting to fund improvement projects throughout the City of Benton. This system started supplying water to customers in 1916, and many lines are nearing 100 years old. In order to improve flow to our customers and fire protection as well as reduce line losses, these ongoing projects are necessary. This department strives to meet our customers’ current needs and plan for the future needs of our system.
Currently, we are looking forward to two upcoming improvement projects. The first project will include a large portion of Jackman Street from Westbrook to Bird St., and the second project will include a portion of Jefferson St. from W. South St. to W. Smith St. In both projects, we will be replacing two old water mains with a new larger main, along with replacing services lines from the new main to customer water meters. In order to provide better fire protection to these areas, additional fire hydrants will be added, and existing fire hydrants will be replaced to better serve our citizens. Benton Utilities is coordinating these projects with the City of Benton Street Department in planning for traffic control and street closures.
These projects are a part of a 10-year plan of improvement projects needed in the distribution system. This is another phase of work in our ongoing yearly maintenance contract with Coakley Company out of Hot Springs. This department has partnered with Coakley company the last two years, and Benton Utilities has been pleased with their work.
The construction project should be completed within 4-6 months with good weather. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our citizens during construction but want to thank everyone for helping in the upgrade of our water system. If you have any questions, please call 501-776-5930.