City of Johnson City starting phase one work on downtown water and wastewater improvements today

The first part of a two phase project to improve downtown Johnson City’s Water and Wastewater system is now underway.

City officials say the project involves the rehabilitation of 2,600 feet of sewer line and over 550 feet of waterline installation, with phase one involving the rehabilitation of the large sewer line that runs under Buffalo St. from Cherry St. through the S Roan St. intersection and under Water St. Construction crews will start their work at the Cherry St end of Buffalo St and will move in sections until phase one is finished, which is anticipated for Dec. 31.

Below is the list of road closures because of the ongoing project:

Closure of brick paver area in median of Buffalo and Tipton streets intersection for up to two months

Temporary road ramp across Buffalo Street near Tipton Street intersection

Temporary road and sidewalk closures along Buffalo Street and State of Franklin Road

Loss of parallel parking along Buffalo Street in the areas where construction crews are working

Night and/or weekend work

Phase two of the project is slated to begin Jan. 2021, which will involve water and sewer work on E Market St. from Buffalo St. to S Roan St. Johnson City says they are reinvesting $1 million in the project, with a portion of the project being funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Photo Courtesy: City of Johnson City