University Star

San Marcos residents could continue to see the effects of construction on the Comanche 24-inch water transmission project until April 2013.

The project is part of the City of San Marcos’ 2004 Water Master Plan in an attempt to better distribute water around the city. The project, headed by Santa Clara Construction Ltd. of Austin, received about $2.6 million in funding from the City of San Marcos through water taxes.

Approximately 6,561 feet of 24-inch main pipeline will be laid during construction.

The motivation behind the project was to reduce pressure on the current 12-inch water pumps used by the city.  Shaun Condor, head project engineer, said the existing pumps are too overworked.

Linda Huff, director of engineering for the city, said the project could benefit citizens and the city.

It will save money on water bills because the pressure of the pumps will not be as high, making water distribution more efficient. Once complete, the Spring Lake pump station will connect to the Comanche water tower, providing better water distribution to parts of San Marcos.

Construction crews are storing project materials and equipment by the Comanche water tank near North Comanche Street and Sessom Drive. Measures have been put in place to ensure there is no runoff into the drainage system.

Some roads have been re-routed for the construction process, but the city is trying to minimize disruption as much as possible.

“It’s typical to have lane closures during construction to protect citizens and construction workers passing through a work zone,” Condor said. “Safety is our number one concern during construction.”

Condor said he hopes the project’s construction on North LBJ Street will be completed soon since schools are now in session.

Huff said some lanes on Chestnut Street were closed to reduce congestion and ensure safety for pedestrians and drivers.

The city is working to reduce any confusion citizens may have about the project. Multiple traffic signals have been put up at several stops to direct drivers and provide safe walkways for pedestrians.

Despite lane closures and the storage of materials, Condor said he has heard mainly positive feedback from San Marcos citizens regarding the benefits the city will have after construction ends.

Matthew Darst, administrative coordinator of engineering for the city, said he has heard positive feedback about the project as well.

San Marcos resident Brenden Neely said he is supportive of the project. However, he hopes it is completed soon, citing the road changes and construction debris as issues.

Residents could see the storage site cleared up and construction ended soon. The project was originally scheduled to be completed by summer 2013. However, Condor said the project is ahead of schedule and could finish as soon as April 2013.