Oak Street Construction Pauses for the Summer

Crews working on Oak Street — replacing pipes that have delivered drinking water since the late 1800s — will soon take a summer break. Our Oak Street construction has reached the area between Jackson and Clay streets. In the next few weeks, crews will reopen this area for several weeks.

Oak Street project

The crews made substantial progress since work resumed in the spring. They installed sections of 48-inch pipes and valves throughout the work zone. The new water main is needed to carry water from our Crescent Hill pump station to the Brook Street main. This is a vital feed to the southern part of the county and to our Cardinal Hill Reservoir.

Oak Street projectYou may remember, Louisville Water started the Oak Street Project in July 2024 on Dumesnil Street near South 12th Street. Phase 1, which lasted until the summer of 2025, involved a technique called sliplining. Crews essentially slid new pipes inside existing pipes. (This video shows construction during Phase 1.)

Phase 2, which began last fall, involved digging up and replacing older pipes. The work has been slower and more complicated because of an abundance of other utilities’ service lines in the area, including Louisville MSD sewer lines, which required extra attention.

Throughout the project, no one has lost water service, and local access always has been available for residents and businesses impacted by road closures and detours.

Replacing the mains under Oak Street has taken us through historic neighborhoods, revealing a glimpse into the past and hidden treasures along the way, including not only 130-year-old pipes but also trolley tracks, and “cradles” that kept the pipe elevated above Beargrass Creek. (See this video for an overview of our historic finds.)

The next phase of work on Oak Street, which will begin in the fall and last until the summer of 2027, will involve these areas:

  • Oak Street between Hancock and Clay streets
  • South Clay Street between Oak and East St. Catherine streets
  • East St. Catherine Street between South Clay and South Shelby streets
  • South Shelby Street between Mary and East St. Catherine streets
  • East St. Catherine Street between South Shelby and Swan streets
  • Swan Street between East St. Catherine and East Kentucky streets
  • East Kentucky Street between Swan and Vine streets

Oak Street projectPlease note: This summer, a smaller pipe replacement project will start on East St. Catherine Street between Clay and Shelby streets. Construction in this area will last six to eight weeks. Residents near this work zone will receive letters.

Louisville Water is always committed to meeting customer demand for high quality water while also maintaining and rehabilitating our critical infrastructure. Learn more about the Oak Street Project on LouisvilleWater.com.

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Watch the video below for an overview of Phase 2 work on the project.