CLARKSVILLE, IN (November 28, 2022) – One of the largest utility projects in Clarksville’s recent history is finally nearing a conclusion. Earlier this fall, construction crews began the fourth and final phase of the Lincoln Drive Wastewater project. Although the project was long overdue, it created a bit of a traffic nightmare for residents in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. Fortunately, the project is nearly complete.

Started in March 2022, the project included the replacement of a more than 20-year-old pump station which serves the area surrounding Lewis and Clark Parkway, Blackiston Mill Road, and Lincoln Drive. Crews installed a new gravity system which is easier to maintain and will create less service disruptions. The project was supposed to be completed in September but was delayed due to the difficulties crews faced while digging to the necessary depths required for the gravity system. Crews were required to dig more than 40 feet deep to lay the new pipe along
Lincoln Drive. The process was extremely dangerous for construction crews, so it was necessary for proceed slowly and carefully. There was also an additional delay when a sinkhole appeared on Marriott Drive near Derby Dinner Playhouse. Construction crews had to be pulled off the Lincoln Drive project to make emergency repairs near that sinkhole.

“We knew from the start that this project was going to be an inconvenience for our residents, but it was much needed and it had to get done,” said Communications Director Ken Conklin. “We appreciate the patience of residents who live in the area as well as businesses affected by the road closures, and we hope they will enjoy more efficient wastewater services in the area for years to come.”

The final phase of the project included lane closures and restrictions on Clarksville’s Lewis and Clark Parkway, however, it was not a full closure. Crews were still able to allow two-way traffic along Lewis and Clark. The only thing left for crews to do will be to complete the paving of all the areas impacted during construction, as well as striping those roadways. In total more than 5,200 linear feet of new sanitary pipe and more than 1,200 lineal feet of new storm pipe was laid. The entire project cost was just over $6.2 Million and was paid for with Wastewater bonds. The paving is expected to be completed in mid-December, which means Lincoln Drive will finally be re-opened.

“The Town of Clarksville would like to thank all those involved for their work in this important project,” said Conklin. “We would especially like to thank the crews from Dan Cristiani Excavating for their many months of hard and tedious work digging the trenches for the new pipes.”