Iola is taking advantage of pending reconstruction of U.S. 54 at the east edge of town to upgrade an 8-inch main carrying water to Gas.
The second of two service lines to carry water to customers on the south side of the highway was done this week. Both have entailed cutting some of the highway’s pavement.
A third cross-highway connection remains. That will tie a main running about 700 feet east from the Welcome to Iola sign to a main along the south of the highway that continues on to Gas.
The new mains are made of high-grade plastic and are replacing old cast iron lines.
The 8-inch portion of the main that will be under the highway to connect north and south components will be in a 12-inch plastic casing to protect it from the pressure of constant traffic.
Corey Schinstock, assistant city administrator, said when the upgrade is completed about 1,500 feet of lines that had transported water down the middle of the highway would be abandoned in favor of the new mains.
Iola crews mend water lines
