Sewer upgrade in Belle Terre to affect traffic until July

Some neighbors were confused by a “Road Closed” sign that appeared on Belle Terre, just east of Highway 27, over the weekend.

Vera Water and Power is replacing the outdated Sunacres Sewer Plant in the area and a contractor has just started preparations for replacing the sewer main in the middle of the road.

Vera Water director of operations Todd Henry said 41 sewer customers in that neighborhood are connected to a combination of a septic tank and drainage field sewer system, which is outdated and must be replaced.

Once the system is updated it will be combined with Spokane County’s system in the area.

Henry said grants from the Environmental Protection Agency awarded to Spokane County made it possible to start the project.

Residents along Belle Terre and 41st Avenue, between Highway 27 and Sullivan Road, can expect road construction until July, but the road will be kept mostly open.

“They just began grinding off the asphalt,” Henry said. “When they start putting the sewer pipe down the middle of the road it will be a little tricky, but we will do the best we can to keep the road open.”

Flaggers will direct traffic through the area when needed.

Residents should have free access, Henry said, but he encouraged people who don’t live in the neighborhood to consider a different route during construction.

“That way we can focus on the project instead of on directing traffic,” Henry said.