Water Main Hit Twice Along Highway 7 in Oxford
Oxford residents living along Highway 7 South have recently faced yet another inconvenience as a water main was damaged, resulting in a temporary water outage. This incident occurred on Tuesday, marking the second time in two weeks that a water main in the area has been hit.
Background of the Incident
The issue arose when a contractor, TL Wallace, was working to relocate gas lines under a permit issued by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. During their operations, they accidentally struck a water main, which left many residents, including those from the Windsor Falls Subdivision, without water for approximately two hours.
According to Rob Neely, the General Manager of Oxford Utilities, this is not an isolated incident. Just two weeks earlier, on August 1st, the same contractor hit another water line in the same vicinity, causing similar disruptions. “The boring contractor is required to spot utility lines accurately during their operations,” Neely explained. “In both cases, the utility lines were marked correctly by our team.”
Details of the Damage
During Tuesday’s accident, a misjudgment related to the depth of utility lines led to the incident. There was an older 8-inch water line, approximately 50 years old, located near a newer main. Although the contractor intended to pass beneath the older line, they struck the new, deeper line instead, leading to the damage.
The affected area ran from the NMRC to the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Highway 7. Oxford Utilities employees worked late into the night, with efforts continuing until about 3 a.m. to restore water service to residents in the area.
Impact on Residents
As residents gathered and expressed their frustration, the temporary water outage served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities when utility lines are damaged. Many affected residents voiced their concerns, and the prompt response from the utility workers was appreciated.
Seeking Accountability
Neely pointed out the worrying trend of contractors hitting utility lines and emphasized the importance of being cautious during such projects. “When contractors are found liable for such damage, we compile invoices for the repair costs and send them to the responsible parties,” he noted. He added that they are actively communicating with the contractor and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, stressing the need for increased care around critical city infrastructure.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenge and responsibility that contractors have when working in areas with existing utility lines. With the ever-present risk of further damage, city officials hope that better planning and execution will help avoid similar situations in the future.
Future Considerations
As the city looks toward the future, it remains essential to have thorough discussions with contractors and regulatory bodies to ensure that utility safety protocols are followed diligently. The potential for further disruptions highlights the need for a collective effort to protect essential services within Oxford.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing projects in their area and to voice any concerns regarding utility work that might affect their daily lives. With clear communication between utility providers and contractors, there is hope for a future with fewer service interruptions.
