Merrick Road water main project begins with overnight hours

A major water main replacement project will begin on Monday on Merrick Road, as New York American Water brings in approximately 2,800 feet of 12-inch mains, nine new fire hydrants and 10 utility-owned service lines.

The project will cost approximately $2.5 million dollars, and update infrastructure that was installed as far back as 1930, according to NYAW officials.

"Replacing aging infrastructure is an essential part of our mission,” said Moses Thompson, NYAW’s vice president of operations. “It helps ensure a sustainable system that is capable of delivering high-quality water to each customer home for decades to come.”

The Merrick Road project is part of a larger, $10.5 million project replacing vintage water mains throughout NYAW service territories. According to Thompson, the Merrick Road stretch will help improve water quality, service reliability and water pressures for household use and firefighting.

The Merrick Road project is was set to begin on Monday, and take eight weeks. The streets will be restored after the installation is OK’d by the Nassau County Department of Health.

In an effort to minimize traffic disruption, the work will be done between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. on weekdays. Sections of road being worked on might be closed during those hours. Thompson urged pedestrians and drivers to use caution.

“We pride ourselves on our comprehensive main replacement program as the overall impact it has on our customer's overall quality of service is significant,” Thompson said.

Residents with questions about the planned work are encouraged to call New York American Water customer service center at (877) 426-6999.