The massive project of replacing 2-inch water lines in the older sections of La Vergne begins on February 3.  The project of installing 6-inch lines is expected to take 13-months to complete.

“Our city engineers have designed the project so that only a small number of streets are impacted at one time,” said City Administrator Bruce Richardson. “The 27 streets that are getting new water lines will be done in sections. While there will be some interruption for residents who live on these streets, it should be minimal. The digging, installing, and repaving work should only impact about two to three streets at a time, for two to four weeks per street.”

Mayor Senna Mosley said the water line replacement project has been planned for years, but it had not been a priority until now due to funding. The project is being paid with bond money and will cost $2,567,708.50. Hawkins and Price, LLC is the contracting company.

One of the biggest concerns about the 2-inch diameter lines is fire suppression. “Currently these older neighborhoods with the 2-inch lines do not have the water pressure available to extinguish a fire,” said Mayor Mosley. “When the top priority of local government is public safety, this is simply not acceptable. Fire personnel have been asking to fix this for 18 years. And now we are.”

With the replacement lines going in, coupled with additional firefighters and updated safety equipment, the city anticipates gaining a lower ISO rating during the next application process. The lower ISO rating should result in lower insurance rates for businesses and industry, and potentially for residential insurance.

The city is uploading detailed maps and the project schedule online at www.lavergnetn.gov. In addition, the estimated schedule of streets is as follows:

Section A 2014

Feb-Mar – Easy Street, Pearcy Street

Mar-Apr – George Thomas Drive, Minerva Drive, Money Street

Apr-May – Jupiter Street, Mercury Drive

Section B 2014

June – Hester Miller Road

June-July – Hickory Street

July-Aug – Owens Drive ,  Vincent Lane, Akin Street

Aug – Nelson Drive

Section C 2014

Sept-Oct – Miles Street, Buchanan Street, Ed Miller Street

Oct-Nov – Fergus Drive, Buchanan Street

Nov – Jane Ann Drive, Johns Street, Highlands Street, Highland Court

Section D 2014-15

Dec – Sunset Street, Glendale Drive

Jan-Feb – Mason Circle, Constitution Avenue

Feb – Waldron Road