Starting Mon., Dec. 27, contractors began emergency repairs on a sanitary sewer pipe at the intersection of South 35th Street and Union Avenue near Tacoma Public Utilities’ administrative offices. Drivers will experience delays and restrictions in the vicinity while work is completed over the next two to three weeks. Most of the repair will be done at night between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., to minimize disruptions during the holiday season.

Signs and flaggers will be in place to notify drivers of the traffic revisions and detours in the area. Businesses in the area will remain open while work is underway. Detour routes, which will vary with the construction activity, will be posted on Center, Pine, Tyler, South 35th (east of Union), and South 36th streets.

Union Avenue will remain open with one lane in each direction, although turns may be restricted at Union and South 35th Street.

About 35 feet of the 8-inch sewer main collapsed Dec. 16, causing backups for utility customers. Sewer maintenance crews have been running a 24-hour bypass pumping operation to keep the failed sewer main in service.

To repair the collapsed section and prevent the collapse of additional deteriorated pipe in the area, 200 feet of sewer main will be replaced. The work, which will cost up to $750,000, should be completed by Jan. 15.