HERMISTON — Two construction projects replacing 4,900 feet of aging water lines and a 43-year-old lift and pump station in downtown Hermiston will require road closures on West Ridgeway Avenue and East Main Street in the coming months.

Both projects are part of the Hermiston Capital Improvement Plan, what the city calls a proactive roadmap for updating Hermiston’s street, water, and wastewater systems that require significant capital investment and are critical for providing residents with reliable utility access.

The city of Hermiston urges caution for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians traveling near work zones and thanks the community and especially nearby residents and businesses for their patience during the construction projects.

Downtown water line replacement

Water lines in parts of downtown Hermiston are some of the oldest in the city’s water system, dating back to the 1920s. Work to replace these lines began July 16 on East Gladys Avenue and the road is expected to fully reopen in early September.

Work will then move to East Main Street and require additional closures between Northeast Fifth and 10th streets. Drivers and residents should be prepared to encounter shifting detours along Main Street between Fifth and 10th through the fall.

Lift Station No. 4 reconstruction

The wastewater Lift Station No. 4 was built on the corner of West Ridgeway Avenue and Northwest Butte Avenue in 1981 and is experiencing normal corrosion from 43 years of operation. The city will upgrade the system to increase capacity and safeguard the surrounding environment.

This project will require the closure of West Ridgeway between Northwest Sixth and Seventh strees beginning as early as Monday, Aug. 26, and running through the fall.

Visit www.hermistonprojects.com for more detailed information about capital improvement projects in Hermiston and visit www.hermiston.gov for updated detour information for current construction projects.