Flandreau infrastructure project aims to minimize disruptions

Residents and business owners in Flandreau got some reassurance this week that the latest phase of the citys water and sewer replacement project should go more smoothly than past efforts.
It was standing-room-only Monday night in the Flandreau City Council Chambers as dozens gathered for a public meeting outlining the scope and timeline of the improvements in the southeast part of town.
Project Engineer April Buller of IMEG, along with other engineering representatives, provided an overview of the work alongside John Rennich, Project Manager for H & W Contracting out of Sioux Falls. The 45-minute meeting included plenty of questions from the public, particularly about access to homes, the length of water shut-offs, and how trees in the path of new pipes might be affected.
H & W Contracting assured residents theyd provide at least 24-hour notice for any disruptions. Major interruptions could last four to six hours but would typically occur between 8:30 a.m. and early afternoon when making main connections.
Individual service shut-offs may last about an hour.
When asked if the new system would improve water pressure, engineers explained that replacing old cast iron mains with PVC lines should generally enhance water flow. However, they noted improvements might not extend past the curb stop if a homeowners private line remains outdated.
You can always let us know if it didnt improve after the fact, and we can discuss options, said Buller. She added that if the contractor is open to private work beyond the property line, homeowners might have the option to upgrade their lines.
Work will be divided into two phases over the next two years. The first, set for completion by October 31, will replace water and sewer lines west of South Prairie Street. The second, finishing in summer 2026, will cover the east side and include full road reconstruction.
Improvements will involve excavating and replacing existing water and sewer lines, installing new curbs and gutters, adjusting grades for partial sidewalk and driveway replacements, and making ADA enhancements. Street surfaces will also be reconstructed, though final paving will wait until the second year to allow for natural settling.
Thats an inconvenience, we understand, but the street will last much longer and be much less complicated if we build it all in the second year, Rennich explained.
We want a freeze-thaw cycle on as much of that project as we can. Weve all driven over streets that have a dip in them years after we put something together, and by waiting one winter, that is reduced by a long way.
To keep residents informed, public meetings will be held every two weeks, with project representatives also attending council meetings on alternating weeks.
With work set to begin this week. City officials encourage residents to stay engaged, ask questions, and prepare for temporary inconveniences that promise long-term improvements.