Several lanes of West Bowles Avenue are closed as Denver Water conducts a water main project, which started on Jan. 9 and will last approximately one month.

The road is reduced to one open lane in each direction between South Federal Boulevard and South Santa Fe Drive, according to a travel advisory from Denver Water.

Denver Water expects to invest $2.3 billion over the next 10 years in projects that will maintain, repair, protect and upgrade its system, according to Denver Water spokesperson Jose Salas.

“We are updating this main as part of those capital improvement projects to continue to ensure high quality water… to 1.5 million people in the Denver metro area,” he said.

Crews are completing the installation of a new water main that extends from the north side of West Bowles Avenue into the Littleton Golf and Tennis Club, he said. The club, which is operated by South Suburban Parks and Recreation, is located at 5800 S. Federal Blvd.

To finish up this project, crews are replacing a 12-inch cast iron water main that was prone to leaks.

Littleton’s deputy director of public works and utilities Brent Soderlin said the lanes are closed because workers will have to dig a trench to work on the water lines.

When the project is complete, Littleton public works will inspect the construction site to make sure the crews correctly patch up the asphalt, Soderlin said.

The road closures are in effect 24/7 for the duration of the project. Signage is in place at the construction area and travelers should expect delays and avoid the area if possible, according to the travel advisory.

Soderlin asked that commuters who pass through the area be patient during the course of the maintenance project.

Denver Water serves about a quarter of Colorado’s population, including all Littleton residents, according to its website.