Extensive Construction Starts on Southport

An extensive water main replacement project begins Monday on Southport Avenue, and if all goes according to plan, construction will take more than a month.

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) says crews are replacing almost 4,400 feet of 8-inch water main on Southport from Irving Park Road to Addison Street. The pipe they’re replacing dates back to 1892.

The ward broke the construction project, saying crews will be replacing about 200-260 feet of pipe per day, meaning if all goes according to plan, construction will be completed by mid-April. Tunney says the worst case scenario would have the project wrapping up around mid-June.

“As you know, construction always involves some inconvenience, noise and dust,” Tunney said in a statement. “… Water Management will do everything possible to minimize the inconvenience and noise, and they will conduct themselves as good and thoughtful neighbors throughout the course of their work.”

As Water Management hooks up each building to the new pipe, there may be breaks in water service. Neighbors will be warned in advance when the pauses are expected to happen.

Also, construction will mostly happen on the east side of the street, and Tunney said crews will do their best to make sure two lanes of traffic are still maintained.

Once the project is completed, the street will be resurfaced.

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