SWT begins pipeline project

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS — Southwest Texas State University has begun work on an underground piping project that will transport water under Sessom Drive from Spring Lake to the East Chill Plant. The pipeline will cross under Sessom Drive near Joe’s Crab Shack. University officials say the project will cause minimal disruption of traffic on Sessom Drive while construction equipment is moved to or from the site.

However, an area of the lawn directly adjacent to Joe’s Crab Shack will be temporarily closed to the public for three to four weeks.

“The public will have continual access to the river during this construction,” said Bill Nance, vice president of finance and support services at SWT. “A portion of the upper lawn nearest Joe’s Crab Shack will be fenced off, but the river will still be accessibile below the fenceline.”

Nance said that a small portion of the parking lot at SWT’s J.C. Kellam Building will also be closed, probably for two to three weeks.

Baker-Aicklen & Associates, engineers for the project, will assure the contractor adheres to all applicable regulations, including those designed to protect the San Marcos River.

Construction of the entire project is expected to be complete by September 1.