City of Athens starts Strain road improvements [Video]

ATHENS, Ala. — The City of Athens has started preparations for major drainage and sewer improvements along Strain Road, though officials are still awaiting confirmation from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) on additional funding for the project.

According to the City of Athens, $100,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds has already been secured for preliminary engineering work, which is being handled by Krebs Engineering.

Initial cost estimates for the drainage and sewer improvements on both sides of Strain Road total approximately $16 million. The project will be carried out in phases: Phase 1 will focus on drainage on the west side, Phase 2 will address drainage on the east side, and Phases 3 and 4 will involve sewer upgrades.

As part of the project, the City will also need to assess transportation …