Water Street Infrastructure Project to Start in 2018 　

St. John’s City Council has approved delaying the Water Street infrastructure project until 2018. The decision was made at the January 23, 2017 meeting of Council.

In December 2016 the City announced there are opportunities to rehabilitate the majority of the water and sewer infrastructure on Water Street using trenchless technologies. Since then, the City met with utility and downtown stakeholders to discuss the scope of the work required and the schedule for the project. Both stakeholder groups indicated they would like the project start moved to 2018. 　

This postponement allows more time for utility stakeholders to determine if their scope of work changes based on the new trenchless technology approach. It also allows for downtown businesses to develop their own contingency plans, and for the City and business associations to develop marketing plans to draw people to the downtown before and during construction.　

While much of the work can be completed using trenchless technology, traditional open excavation will also be required. Public engagement and communication will continue throughout the duration of planning and implementation of the project.