Updating traffic impacts from monthlong wastewater construction project in Pueblo

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Officials said that traffic impacts at the intersection of Stockyard Road and La Crosse Avenue, because of an $8 million utility project, may end up less than expected.

That's because crews won't have to dig into the street to install a liner inside a half-mile of existing wastewater pipe.

It's good news for the many drivers who use La Crosse to travel east and west to detour around the bridge construction at the Interstate 25/US 50 East interchange, and as a shortcut to the US 50 Business Loop.

Officials said that most of the traffic impacts will come later in the project, when crews upgrade several manholes on Stockyard between La Crosse and the Pueblo Wastewater treatment plant.

While the liner installation is underway, crews will use a temporary bypass line to convey the wastewater flow until they can clean and place the liner in the existing line.

The bypass will wind through the construction site on the south side of the entrance to Confluence Park, and continue under the La Crosse Bridge, and behind several industrial businesses before reaching the treatment plant.

Officials expect to finish the project by mid-July.