Work Set to Resume Replacing 130-year-old Water Main

The construction break will soon end for a major Louisville Water project. Crews loaded up the orange barrels and fencing and put the brakes on the Oak Street project in May. The reason? Summer is a peak season for water users with watering lawns, filling pools, irrigation systems, and overall higher usage for things like showering and laundry.

After five months, drivers can expect to see the detour signs return to Oak Street just west of Floyd Street beginning the week of October 27.

“They (construction crew) will pick up where they left off,” said Louisville Water Project Engineer Michael Meyer.

The intersection of Oak and Floyd streets is near the I-65 ramps, and as you may already know, construction along I-65 is currently underway. So, what does that mean for your commute?

“Louisville Water is working hard with the I-65 street closures to help minimize the confusion and travel times for all who need to travel in or around our construction zones,” shared Construction Inspector Dennis Pike.

How did we get here?

Louisville Water launched the Oak Street Project in July 2024 near 12^th and Dumesnil streets. Since then, workers have installed more than 5,000 feet of pipes! In the first phase, crews used a process called sliplining where we slid a new pipe into an existing one. Phase 2 is much more involved.

“Dig and replace” is how Meyer explains the process. This method is more tedious because when you’re replacing a pipe that’s been in the ground since the late 1800s, it’s more challenging to maneuver around other utility lines that were installed after it.

“We’re coordinating with the utility companies – MSD and Louisville Gas & Electric – to thread this new pipe with the dig and replace, so that we can have the same capacity if not a little better than what we have now,” Meyer said.

A larger pipe will supply ample high-quality water to our customers in the southern part of Jefferson County.

“A 48-inch pipe is needed from our Crescent Hill pump station to the Brook Street water main. This is a vital feed to the southern part of the county and especially to our Cardinal Hill Reservoir. A 42-inch pipe (used in Phase 1) unlike a 48-inch pipe just doesn’t carry enough water to fit the demand going south,” explained Pike.

Progress can sometimes include growing pains. Pike said people who live in and work in the construction zone may experience periods of equipment noises, ground vibrations, and dust. Additionally, there will be areas where the road is closed, and street parking is not accessible. The good news is residents and businesses will still enjoy Louisville Pure Tap® flowing fresh from the faucet.

“Nobody will be without water service long-term,” Meyer said. “We have distribution mains off of this transmission main, but we’re well-gridded in the city that all the (water) services are coming off the smaller distribution lines that will not be shut off for this large transmission main work.”

Phase 2 will continue through May 2026 before pausing for the peak season next summer. We understand you might be frustrated with construction projects happening simultaneously around the city; we’re drivers also and experience the same detours. We ask that you have some patience and know that we’re working hard to keep Louisville Pure Tap® flowing into the next century.

“Renewing infrastructure pipe is very important. Building things that can last at least 100 years is a great financial decision. Building a reliable pipeline to carry safe drinking water for future generations is an even better decision,” Pike said.

Please keep an eye out for the detour signs and slow down near and in construction zones. We want to keep you and our crews safe.

Learn more about the Oak Street Project on LouisvilleWater.com. You can also sign up to receive a newsletter in your inbox with updates.