UPDATE: Sewer Force Main Break Repair Timeline Extended Due to Extent of Damage, Safety Priorities
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 2:48 PM
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) and partners at Boh Bros. Construction continue to work to repair a 60-inch sewer force main break at Station D, located at 2800 Florida Avenue. Due to the extent of the damage, SWBNO has extended the timeline for completion to Friday, July 28.
SWBNO initiated an emergency bypass to divert the flow to the Mississippi River on Friday, July 7, in accordance with all relevant Federal and State regulatory authorities. Presently, there are no reported impacts to customers. Areas served by Station D include Lakeview, Gentilly, the Marigny and Upper Ninth Ward, as well as some parts of Mid-City.
“Safety is a top priority – we want to make the repair quickly, but safely,” said Ghassan Korban, Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.
“Because of the depth and location of the break, we needed further to excavate and secure the walls of the site leading down to the break to continue repairs,” said Steve Nelson, Deputy General Superintendent of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.
SWBNO is closely monitoring the situation and will communicate any changes that may arise. SWBNO is also in ongoing communication with the relevant regulatory authorities as well as downstream water utilities.
For further information, please contact media@swbno.org.