Jefferson Street in Rockford is about to close until September. Here's why.

Travel in downtown Rockford will become more challenging starting Monday, July 8, when Jefferson Street closes from Wyman to Church streets.

Construction crews will spend the next two months replacing and repairing about 3,300 feet of water main that is more than 120 years old.

The project should be done with the road fully restored in late October, said Rockford Deputy Water Superintendent Matt Baillargeon.

"There's a lot of complex moving parts with road closures, detours, coordination with stakeholders, tourism, especially with the holidays — Fourth of July and some of the other events at the Coronado and BMO. There's been a lot put into, you know, trying to get this project completed and minimize the impacts."

Much of the 12- and 24-inch water main along the stretch of Jefferson from Wyman to Kilburn Avenue was installed around 1903 and the rest was installed not long afterward. Water main breaks and failing valves have become more common as the infrastructure has aged.

As part of a $4.3 million project, crews from Loves Park-based N-TRAK are replacing much of the water main along Jefferson. In two sections, existing water main that is too close to obsolete and abandoned utilities like gas and steam lines underground are, instead of being replaced, being lined with a special "cured-in-place" resin.

Crews are also replacing old fire hydrants, fire water lines and lead service lines with copper. Businesses and cultural attractions will remain open and accessible via crossroads. Drivers will only be able to cross Jefferson at Wyman, Winnebago and Church streets. There will also be a pedestrian crossing available at Main Street.

The project is being paid through the city's Water Replacement & Improvement Fund which comes from what residents pay for water.

Water Superintendent Jamie Rott said the project will make future maintenance and repairs more efficient by replacing failing valves while improving safety.

"In addition, this project will increase the resiliency and better supply adequate water and fire protection for the central hydraulic zone and the downtown Rockford area," Rott said.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.