MO American Water Makes System Improvements on I-64 Project

Relocation and improvements to the water infrastructure underneath and adjacent to the New I-64 Construction Project are nearing completion, as
Missouri American Water crews finish moving water mains out of the highway's path. Almost five miles of new 24-inch diameter water mains have been installed, plus thousands of feet of smaller-diameter pipelines. Fifteen new highway crossings link water lines on both sides of the
highway, increasing service reliability to the water distribution systems separated by the highway.

The newly-relocated water lines that parallel the highway are generally located further away from the driving surface. The new locations meet MoDOT requirements, help simplify the company's access for maintenance and reduce potential traffic disruption.

During the last eighteen months, more than 30 Missouri American Water employees completed about 95 percent of the $6 million project — on schedule and on budget, MO American reported.

"Utility relocations are somewhat hidden, but they are a critical component of the project because they are closely tied to the overall schedule," says Clem Kivindyo, P.E., Utility Engineer for Gateway Constructors. "We all work in partnership to keep the overall project on track."

The New I-64 Project opened up opportunities to make some additional water distribution system improvements while road construction was already underway. "Doing this work now, while the area is under construction, is an economical approach that optimizes construction and minimizes traffic disruption," said Frank Kartmann, Missouri American Water vice president of operations.

"It has given us a good opportunity to put two key water distribution system improvements in place."

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