HERMISTON — Motorists in Hermiston will experience periodic closures in the area of Northeast Fourth Street, East Gladys Avenue and East Main Avenue in Hermiston during the coming months as crews replace old water mains.

Crews began excavating and replacing old water mains Tuesday, July 16, on Gladys Avenue between Northeast Third and Seventh streets, which will affect travel in the area.

The work will include replacing about 4,900 linear feet of water main line in downtown Hermiston with ductile iron pipe. The project also includes line replacement along Gladys Avenue between Northeast Third and Seventh streets and along East Main Street between Northeast Fifth and Ninth streets, as well as small portions on East Hurlburt Avenue and Southeast Seventh Street.

Reconstruction will depend on the condition of the pavement and location of water mains. Tees, valves and old cast iron water line also will be replaced.

Sections of this water distribution system were installed in the 1920s with steel pipe, some of the oldest pipe in the city water system. This project will eliminate failing, deteriorating and undersized lines, reduce repair work and improve public safety, according to the city.

The city estimated the cost of the project at $1.8 million.