Posted: December 10, 2024
Cal Water started a water infrastructure upgrade this week that will improve water supply reliability and fire protection in downtown Bakersfield. Crews are installing 1,935 feet of new water main to replace aging pipes.
“Infrastructure improvements like this help Cal Water maintain a reliable water supply for both customers’ everyday needs and firefighters’ emergency needs, while also preventing water loss from aging pipes,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Field Operations.
The project is expected to last six months and will take place in three phases. Work in the first phase is occurring on Service Street—the alley between 19th and 20th Streets, crossing L, M, and N streets, weather permitting. Work will be performed Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The second phase will take place between Chester Avenue and K Street; the third phase will take place between H Street and Eye Street.
“We will make every effort to minimize traffic delays during construction, and we will notify customers in advance in instances when after-hours work may be needed,” said Johnson, noting that customers can log into their account to confirm that their contact information is up to date, along with their preferences on how they would like to be notified.
Temporary asphalt will be applied until permanent paving is completed, which can be up to 30 days after project completion.
