It’s going to be a long summer for drivers who frequent Valparaiso Avenue.
Major repaving work — a joint project of Atherton and Menlo Park — is set to start later this summer.
This week, the California Water Service Co. will start replacing the water pipeline on Valparaiso Avenue between North Lemon Avenue and El Camino Real. That work is expected to last through June.
“If you can avoid the street, it would be smart,” said Darren Duncan, Cal Water’s district manager.
About 6,000 feet of a 6-inch-diameter cast-iron watermain that dates to the 1930s will be replaced with a 12-inch-diameter pipeline, Mr. Duncan said.
The project includes relocating and replacing fire hydrants. When it’s complete, the new pipeline will provide better fire protection because it will increase water flow capacity, and the hydrants will be spaced to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District’s exact specifications, Mr. Duncan said.
During the project, two-way traffic controls and significant road closures will occur Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Mr. Duncan said the district is working with private schools along Valparaiso to make sure that work doesn’t interfere with commencement exercises.
