BPUB Announces 7th Street Closure as Downtown Project Begins

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) announces the closure of Seventh Street between Elizabeth Street and Levee Street beginning Monday, July 15 through July 29 as excavation begins for the American Rescue Plan Act Downtown (ARPA) Water/Wastewater Improvements Project. Motorists are advised to plan their routes in advance and follow all posted detour signs.

The project will upgrade the water and wastewater infrastructure in downtown Brownsville, some of which has not been updated in more than 50 years. The project is funded through the city of Brownsville’s allocation of $14.5 million of its ARPA grant funds.

Work began in early June as BPUB contractors were on site for utility line spotting in preparation for the overhaul of approximately 4,000 feet of water lines and 14,000 feet of wastewater lines.

The work will be completed in two phases. The first will focus on wastewater improvements in the alleyways between Elizabeth Street, Levee Street, St. Charles Street and St. Francis Street with an estimated completion date of December 2024.

The second phase will address wastewater improvements in the alleyways between Adams Street, Washington Street and Elizabeth Street, as well as water line improvements between 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th streets to be completed by summer of 2025.

To minimize disruptions, alleyways will be closed off in segments as work progresses. All construction dates and times are approximate, and the end date and time may vary due to the nature of weather, soil conditions and job provisions.

To learn more about the ARPA Downtown Water/Wastewater Improvements Project and to stay updated on its progress, visit www.brownsville-pub.com or follow BPUB on social media.