Work began Monday to replace the 100-year-old pipe that has caused several sinkholes on Water Avenue over the last month.REV Construction Company has been given a 45-day timetable to get the work completed, barring any unforeseen delays.

We’re glad that the work has finally started to replace the pipe, which city engineering consultant Ray Hogg believes is well over 100 years old.

We’re also thankful the work is being done now, as opposed to later because Hogg believes there would be more sinkholes in the near future if the pipe wasn’t replaced.

“I know there was going to be some more [cave-ins]. It was just a matter of time,” Hogg said.

However, there is a downside.

Traffic cannot pass through Water Avenue because the road is blocked off completely near the Bienville Monument. Although Water Avenue doesn’t see a lot of traffic, there are quite a few commuters that go that way to avoid the busier Broad Street.

Hogg said the project will be completed section by section to minimize the disruption of traffic. Until the construction is finished, commuters should express patience. After all, this project is going to improve our roads overall and help alleviate our city of its ongoing sinkhole problem.