Project Video Overview
Pennsylvania American Water is investing $74 million to significantly improve the Hays Mine Treatment Plant and surrounding infrastructure. The investment is essential for providing our customers safe, reliable, affordable water service. Below is a listing of each of the projects.
Becks Run Water Line Improvement Project: Replacement of two, 42-inch water mains along Becks Run Road
Hays Mine Treatment Plant:
- Renovation of 16 filters that are responsible for maintaining a high level of water quality.
- Replacement of critical infrastructure to improve the system’s resilience, reliability, and safety for employees and the environment.
- Replacement of solids handling equipment to improve efficiencies and lessen water use associated with the treatment process.
Becks Run Water Line Improvement Project
This upgrade began in May 2024 and involves replacing two 42-inch water mains along Becks Run Road (from Carson Street (SR 837) to East Agnew Road). These mains supply water from the Monongahela River to the Hays Mine Treatment Plant. The original lines are approximately 100 years old and provide up to 30 million gallons of drinking water daily to an estimated 137,000 customers in southern Allegheny County.
Given the complexities of the construction, the two-mile stretch of Becks Run Road is currently closed to through-traffic. However, Pennsylvania American Water has planned for Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, school buses and emergency vehicles to have limited access through the construction zone. All other traffic currently utilizes the designated detour (see map below) along SR 837, Glass Run Road, Joseph Street and Agnew Road.
Pennsylvania American Water has hired Casper Colosimo & Sons as the general contractor and several subcontractors. Work hours are Mon.– Fri., 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat., 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. Work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025. Street restoration will be completed by the fall 2025.
Local businesses near the construction zone are OPEN FOR BUSINESS. You can access them by following the detour noted in the map below.
Updates
April 3, 2025 - As Pennsylvania American Water enters the final stages of its water main replacement project along Becks Run Road, we want to provide you with some important traffic updates.
So far, contractors have replaced approximately three miles of the two 42-inch main lines. Construction activity for the replacement project is expected to be completed by mid-summer.
Beginning on Monday, April 7, contractors will be working in the middle section of Becks Run Road just north of Wagner Street.
Traffic Pattern Changes
As a result, motorists traveling south on Becks Run Road will have access to all residences and businesses along the road; however, they will not be able to reach Wagner Street due to ongoing construction activities. Similarly, motorists heading north on Becks Run Road will need to turn onto Wagner Street but can access all residences and businesses along Becks Run Road via East Carson Street.
Pennsylvania American Water has taken the necessary steps and remains dedicated to accommodating school buses, emergency vehicles, residents and businesses affected by the construction.
We urge motorists to continue exercising caution and to obey all safety warnings throughout the construction zone.
Pennsylvania American Water appreciates your patience as we make these necessary investments in your water system.
In addition to the water main project, Pennsylvania America Water is also making significant upgrades to its Hays Mine Treatment Plant.
These projects include the replacement of the plants caustic soda tanks, which will improve the system’s reliability, and safety for employees and the environment, as well as the replacement of the solids handling equipment to lessen water use associated with the treatment process. The utility is also renovating the plant’s 16 filters, which are critical for maintaining a high level of water quality.
Project Detour Map
Media Gallery
A collection of photos and videos of the pipe replacement project along Becks Run Road. Check back frequently for updates.
Pennsylvania American Water installs new signs to accomodate buses, emergency vehicles and local businesses.
Traffic moves at Wagner Street and the recently completed section of Becks Run Road.
New 42-inch piping is staged along the sidewalk of Becks Run Road.
A Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus slowly travels through the confined Beck Run Road construction zone.
A constriction worker prepares the drilling rig in a 30-foot pit near Wagner Street.
A worker seals the end of the 42-inch bore with bricks near Wagner Street.
A series of 42-inch augers used for boring are staged along Becks Run Road.
A series of augers and a diesel engine are used to bore near Susquehanna Street.
New 42-inch water mains are prepped and ready for installation.
Contact Us
Have questions regarding any of these projects? Email us at pa.communityrelations@amwater.com.