By Jean Cole
jean@athensnews-courier.com
. —
Clinton Street in Athens, between Lee and Forrest streets, will be closed for at least two more weeks while Athens Utilities replaces sewer lines that are up to 75 years old, an official said.
John Stockton, manager of the utility’s water and wastewater division, said sewer replacement has been underway since Tuesday and will continue for at least two more weeks.
“We’ve got to lay back up to Lee and install a couple of side laterals and connect the houses,” Stockton said. “We have 30 miles of old clay tile — some sections worse than others. Some of it is 75 to 80 years old, and it is just worn out.”
The problem with old clay tile is that tree roots grow into it, causing it to break, leak, clog or allow groundwater to infiltrate or any combination of those, Stockton said.
Although there is already a clogged line on Clinton Street and more around the college, the sewer is still working, he said. However, with every inspection of the old lines, workers find more damage, he said. Workers will replace the tile with heavy duty PVC pipe and, hopefully, get 75 to 100 years of life out it, Stockton said.
Athens Police Department asks motorists who regularly use the route to plan for extra travel time and to use caution in the area.
