From Rindi White in Wasilla:
A plague of leaks in the city's aging water lines will mean more road closures in downtown Palmer this summer, beginning this weekend.

One section of water line along Alaska Street near the historic railroad depot has already been replaced. But Palmer Public Works Director Carter Cole has said the work increased pressure on nearby sections, causing even more leaks.

Cole, in a public notice, said work will begin Saturday to replace steel waterlines along South Colony Way and South Alaska Street, two adjoining streets that make up Palmer's main downtown road.

The work crew will begin with a section from East Evergreen to East Fireweed Avenues, in front of BJ's Services. Drivers can expect the road to be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Another closure is expected next week, beginning at 7 a.m. July 15 and ending at 7 p.m. July 24, or sooner if the work is completed ahead of schedule.

South Alaska Street between East Dahlia and East Arctic Avenues is expected to be closed completely from Aug. 1 to Aug. 28 to replace leaking pipe. As with the other project, the road may reopen early if work is completed ahead of schedule.

The city plans to repave the street after the rest of the work is complete.