TRAFFIC ALERT: Major pipe repair across Hwy. 280 pushed back to Feb. 6th. Here is what to expect.

Over the mountain motorists, you have been given a 6 day reprieve. 

Today—February 1st—the Birmingham Water Works (BWW) was supposed to begin repairing a main infrastructure pipe that is  leaking in two sections passing through the Highway 280 right-of-way. They have now delayed the project to February 6th.

Statement from Birmingham Water Works

Below is a statement about the delay given to Bham Now from Birmingham Water Works Public Relations Manager Rick Jackson.

“The project start time was modified due to assets needed for traffic control requirements as outlined by state requirements. Ensuring special attention is given to commuters safety is  BWW’s top goal prior to the commencement of construction. Highway 280 is a heavily traveled roadway, and we want to minimize the inconvenience this project will cause to support the betterment of our water system.

Preparation work has begun and will continue this week, to include the placement of message boards. All work is predicated on weather.” 

Where Are the Repairs?

They will be conducting the repair project on Highway 280 near the Shades Mountain Filtration Treatment Plant, which is between the Cherokee Road Exit and the Rocky Ridge Road intersection before the Whole Foods if you are traveling east toward The Summit and Shelby County.  

Up to 20 Days

Here is what to expect:

• The repair project is expected to take up to 20 days 
• The project will require one to two lanes of commuter traffic to be closed on Highway 280 eastbound adjacent to Rocky Ridge Road
• Work will begin daily at 9 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m. each day during the construction period.

During the construction project, water will be diverted back into the basin system to be used in the treatment process. 

According to the BWW the pipe is suspected to have begun leaking when our community experienced record low temperatures in late December.

The good news is that there is no danger to the water pressure or water quality for customers in the service area.

Stay Tuned

Expect more information to be shared and announced as the project planning develops, which includes traffic rerouting and logistical access to the affected water breaks.

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