Preparations for a major project kick off today along North Academy and Austin Bluffs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Prep-work for the second phase of a water valve replacement project is starting today. It’ll be along North Academy Boulevard and Austin Bluffs and the focus of the project is to bring a reliable water system to the area after a huge water main break two years ago. 

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) says there is a chance of unplanned water outages along with road closures. While there are no official times for when these impacts will occur CSU says the time frame of the work will be from now up until late May. 

Lane closures will be in every direction along the intersection so drivers should plan, drive slowly, and watch out for crews in the area. As for the water outages, that work will start 2 weeks from now between April 23rd and April 26th, and then again in mid-May. 

CSU says only business customers will be impacted in the area during that time, however, residents will be asked to limit their water usage as the water main is being drained. They will notify affected customers ahead of time through email, direct mail, phone calls, and text messages. For more information on the project, click here.