Norwich — Norwich Public Utilities will repair a damaged section of the city sewer system this week that could potentially cause a section of Broadway to collapse.

Work will begin today and last through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Approximately 90 feet of 18-inch diameter sewer line between 120 and 177 Broadway, just north of City Hall, will be replaced and will close the street. For the duration of this project, traffic headed north on Broadway will be diverted onto Willow Street (right turn), left onto Chestnut Street, and a left onto Franklin Street, then onto McKinley Avenue.

The sewer line is located nearly 15 feet below street level and will require contractors from RW White Construction to use heavy equipment, including a 30-ton excavator.

NPU spokesman Chris Riley said NPU has contacted residents, businesses and schools that will be affected some of whom might not have direct access to their driveways during work hours. NPU said it has monitored the location determined that completing the repair now is the safest and most practical course of action. It said melting snow and rain in the spring would deteriorate the pipe and road only further. Crews hope to finish the work before asphalt plants close for the winter in mid-December.

"Completing this work in a scheduled, controlled manner is far safer and cost-effective than responding to an emergency or following the collapsing of the road," Riley said.

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