By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News
Downtown Prattville has been under construction for several months now and will continue to be for many more.
In August of 2020, the Prattville City Council approved a $4.1 M bond package that would improve storm water runoff systems in different sections of Washington, Easy, Bunche, First and Main Streets.
The project initially began in early November, without any interference to the roads. However, since December, different parts of Washington and First streets have been closed off, leading to a headache for some.
But soon, the year-long project will turn its head to Main Street – far and away the busy outlet for traffic in Downtown Prattville.
Construction will move from First Street onto Main Street, and according to Mayor Bill Gillespie, downtown’s main road will close down where those two streets intersect starting in about a month, but “maybe even sooner.” The road is expected to be closed for ten working days.
Detour plans will be updated as the project moves forward.
“There’s good and bad to projects such as this. It’s unfortunate that some of our roads downtown have to be closed for periods of time, but the payoff is going to be worth it,” Gillespie said.
The long-term benefits certainly appear to outweigh the short-term headaches.
The sanitary sewer line is going from 8” to 18”, while the storm sewer, which is going from a variety of different sizes from over the years, to 36” and 48”. Sizing will be dependent on the location.
This project is part of significant and continuous infrastructure improvements and investments that Mayor Gillespie has prioritized to enhance citywide infrastructure. The upgrade is needed because it will replace old and undersized pipes in a high water table that will improve the overall stormwater and sewer infrastructure in these areas.
The larger pipes will help to divert the water in a more efficient fashion towards the Autauga Creek.
