Louisville Water is replacing a 130-year-old main on Oak Street

The first phase of the project should last about six months.

louisville water main sliplining

Sliplining was also used to replace a water main on Eastern Parkway in 2019.

Photo via Louisville Water

Construction is now underway to replace a 130-year-old water main along Oak and Dumesnil streets in Limerick.

The 48-inch main has a history of leaks and breaks, so it’s been selected for a process called “sliplining.” The original line will be kept in place while a new pipe is “slipped” inside — this minimizes disruption to the surrounding neighborhood and will allow the pipe to last another 100 years.

Drivers should expect some lane closures and detours throughout the project through the rest of the year, but the road will remain open to local access during this first phase.

A map showing the replacement path for a louisville water main along oak and dumesnil streets

The project will impact Dumesnil Street between S. 12th Street and the railroad tracks at S. 9th Street and Oak Street between S. 7th Street and S. Brook Street.

Photo via Louisville Water

At 130 years old, this water main is 20 years older than the Belle of Louisville, one year older than the twin spires at Churchill Downs, and the same age as the Louisville Slugger trademark.

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