The Town of Friday Harbor plans to replace portions of its aging and fragile downtown water and sewer main beginning in January. The replacement project is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Details of the project will be explained Wednesday, Nov. 6, at an informational meeting, beginning at 1 p.m., at town hall.

The pending project is intended to prevent another occurrence like the water-main break that happened in a year ago in September. A new water main was installed from First to Second streets following the break but that project proved disruptive to many and concerns were raised about muddy water entering the storm drains, according to a town press release.

In addition to replacement of the water main, the town plans to replace sewer mains and to take care of as many known deficiencies as possible while as part of the project as well.

Construction is expected to take place at night and through the early morning hours, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., depending on cost and response from contractors. Constructions areas would be cleaned and parking reestablished daily to reduce disruptions to town businesses, and preventive steps are also expected to restrict muddy water from entering storm drains, according to the town.

The project is expected to take 60 days to complete.

Because of a the timing of the project and possibility of freezing conditions, the town may install a temporary surface to patch existing asphalt after the line work is completed, with plans for final paving to take place in the spring.

Those who would like to find out more about the project are encouraged to attend the Nov. 6 meeting at town hall. Questions or comments about the projects and planned improvements can be directed to the town Public Works Department, 378-2154.