Traffic patterns on Memorial Boulevard near Bluebonnet Avenue are changing as crews work to repair a water main break.

Crews were busy placing orange barrels and street reflectors along Memorial on Wednesday, funneling traffic in preparation for the upcoming construction, which is set to occur March 3–4. The city asks drivers remain alert and follow detour routes or take alternate routes to avoid the area during construction.

Risa Carpenter, public information officer for the city of Port Arthur, said a break in a 12-inch water main was identified on Saturday on the Texas Department of Transportation right-of-way portion of the road. City staff will perform the work once they locate the source of the leak.

The work must adhere to TxDOT standards, which requires placing barrels and street reflectors a and traffic reroute.

“Hopefully this will have minimal impact to traffic,” Carpenter said.

In addition to the roadwork to fix the water line there is also work underway along Bluebonnet Drive- unrelated to the water line repair work.

“The contractor is finishing up pouring east of Bluebonnet at all of the intersections and the subcontractor has finished placing concrete along the east side of the lane except for the side streets from Bluebonnet to the end of each side street,” she said.

Forms for sidewalks and curbs are being set and storm sewer pipes are being installed as well on a portion of the roadway.