For Immediate Release – July 25, 2008

AUSTIN - Starting Friday, July 25, at 8:00 p.m. two westbound lanes on Barton Springs Road between Bouldin and Dawson will be closed to allow for the installation of a new wastewater line. The work will begin Friday evening and will continue through Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. The work will continue for the next four weekends. Those planning to attend Palmer Event Center activities will still be able to access the Barton Springs Road visitor parking garage. The turn lane at that location will remain open and will be converted into a westbound lane. The two eastbound lanes will remain open and will not be impacted by the project.

The project is one of 100 wastewater improvement projects either completed or under construction in neighborhoods throughout the community. To date, 77 wastewater improvement projects have been completed since construction began in 2002.

The purpose of the work is to construct new wastewater lines in priority areas to replace aging lines that leak raw sewage into our creeks and yards, presenting a serious threat to public health and the environment.

The work is part of the Austin Clean Water Program (ACWP), the City's response to an Environmental Protection Agency mandate to repair and replace leaking sewer lines by June 2009 or face penalties of $27,500 per day per overflow. For more information, please go to the Construction Awareness web site, http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/ca

Media Contact:
Kevin Buchman
Email to: Kevin.Buchman@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0151; pgr.(512) 802-8959