Water Line Project Near 5/6 Center Will Cause School Detour

A construction crew prepares for the water line replacement on West Center Street in front of the EC 5/6 Center.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
An upgrade to the oldest water line in Brownsville will cause a detour in school traffic for the Edmonson County 5/6 Center starting Monday. West Center Street, which is between the 5/6 Center and Stevenson's Auto Sales, could be closed as early as Monday as crews replace the old line that Mayor Jerry Meredith says is long overdue for repair.

"The line is constantly breaking or always in need of repair," Mayor Meredith said. "We realize school is starting back and there might be some issues, but this is something that we've needed to do for a while, it just turns out now is when it can be done."

Principal Alan Talley sent a letter home to students, along with a diagram outlining the changes to the school's drop off and pick up policy that will be in effect as soon as W. Center Street closes.

The letter stated:

Due to construction currently taking place on West Center Street (in front of our main office), we need to have an alternate plan for morning and afternoon car riders in case the street is closed. 
 
Beginning Monday, August 8th the following plan will be in place if West Center Street is closed.  Morning and afternoon car riders will be dropped off and picked up at the back corner of the gym (door G – see attached map).  Parents will need to enter and exit the rear parking lot from Vincent Street (by the baseball field) during this time.  We will provide staff to help direct traffic each morning and afternoon in the rear parking lot.  We will have staff on duty (at door G) each afternoon beginning at 2:00 so that parents can line up for afternoon dismissal.  Morning drop-off times will remain the same during this time.  If West Center Street is closed and this plan must be utilized, we are hopeful it will only be for a few school days.  (If you see that West Center Street is open to traffic, we will follow our normal car rider procedures.)
 
Parents who need to visit the front office during the school day will be able to park in the lot on the front end of the building by door N (see map).  This parking lot should only be used for parents who need to visit the front office (arrivals after 7:50, early check-outs, etc.).  Please do not attempt to utilize this parking lot for morning drop-offs or afternoon pick-ups, but only if you need to visit the front office.
 
Please see the attached map showing an outline of these procedures.
 
It is unfortunate we are facing this situation at the very beginning of a new school year.  We believe this outlined plan is the best plan to provide maximum safety for all of our students, which is always our top priority.
 
Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation. 

West Center is expected to be closed on Monday, Aug 8 as crews replace water lines.

Mayor Meredith said the project will extend past the 5/6 Center area. The plan is to begin the project on Mohawk St near Lifeskills, go up W. Center St to the 5/6 Center gym, turn right towards Stevenson's Auto Sales, go under Main Street, past Bertie's Ice Cream, down by the Main Street Center (old Brownsville Elementary) and tie into the main line on Washington Street. 

"We'll do everything to keep traffic moving and the project going as best we can," Meredith said. 

The project is expected to take 2-3 weeks according to the Mayor. Principal Talley said if everyone pays attention and follows the new outline for traffic, problems and delays should be at a minimum.