LOWELLVILLE, Ohio - Aqua has announced on Wednesday that it is investing $600,000 in order to replace 1,278 feet of water main serving customers in Lowellville and Poland Township.

According to a press release, work has begun on Youngstown-Lowellville Road at Cooper Street and will proceed north on State Route 289 to approximately 600 feet across South Hubbard Road to Aqua's Pump station.

The project is part of the $6.5 million that Aqua will invest locally in the Valley and the $65 million across the company's 40 Ohio systems in 2023.

Struthers-based company, Rudzik Excavating has been selected to perform the work, which is expected to be complete by mid September. Work will consist of the replacement of the old cast iron main with ductile iron pipe, which is stronger and more corrosion resistant.

As work is being done, temporary road closures will be in effect in the lower section of South Hubbard Road between August 14 and 18. The detour route will direct drivers to SR-289 and New Castle Road.

Access to all commercial and residential driveways will be maintained, and drivers are asked to use extra caution and pay attention to work zone signage.

Aqua Ohio Area Manager, Jennifer Johnson says Aqua's goal is to replace mains before they become problems or cause widespread service interruptions.

During construction, water service is expected to be maintained, but customers along the construction route will experience short-term interruptions while services are connected to the new main towards the end of the project.

Customers affected by these interruptions will be notified accordingly.