FOREST ACRES, S.C. (WIS) - A project aimed at improving the water many residents and businesses use every day is underway in Forest Acres.

The entire project will cost roughly $20 million, according to City of Columbia Water.

Thousands of feet of new pipes -- 17,000 feet in total -- are being installed underneath North Trenholm Road to improve water quality over the next year.

"Watching water leaks on North Trenholm Road is something that we're use to seeing," said Forest Acres Director of Communications Lynnsey Baker. "[This is] a welcome improvement."

Baker called the new pipes a much-needed investment.

She feels this project will provide cleaner water to thousands of people in an area where water leaks have continually happened.

"Seeing the water department invest in this infrastructure and fix the problems that are underneath the roadway [is] a great improvement to the city," Baker said.

Road work will generally take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water Clint Shealy, multiple crews will work along the busy thoroughfare during those times to make completing the project as quick and efficient as possible.

He claimed most of the work will be done in the middle of North Trenholm road and not directly blocking the flow of traffic.

"The water main will be placed in the median and there will be connections to the main that go perpendicular to Trenholm Road," Shealy said. "There will be connections so they will be some disruptions in travel lanes periodically, but we're going to do everything we can to minimize those disruptions."

Baker said the work will be completed in sections to help keep traffic moving.

While she feels the project will cause temporary traffic delays, Baker recommended a few detour roads people during the day can use.

"Depending on where you're coming from, we would encourage you to take Willingham Drive [or] Atascadero Drive -- both of those will bring you out to Forest Drive," Baker said. "If you're coming from the Rockbridge side, we encourage you to come out at Lakeshore Drive. Those are safe alternatives for you."

South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) expects to begin repaving on North Trenholm Road once all the new pipes are installed.