By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

Water line installation talk floated to the surface at Tuesday's city of Hays press briefing.

Jeff Boyle, director of parks, discussed continuing efforts on the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course irrigation construction. While the front nine holes still are closed, work is continuing at a nice pace, he said.

"Things are moving right along, and we're actually quite a bit ahead of schedule here," Boyle said.

The first section, however, likely will remain closed until the project is completed.

Another water-related issue under way is installation of an upgraded water line system along Main Street.

APAC, the project's contractor, is working to implement the improved lines at the intersections of 19th and 20th streets and Main.

The line has been installed from 18th to 20th street and service connections have been switched to the new water line in this area. The contractor is working to connect the new line to intersecting lines at 19th and 20th streets, said John Braun, assistant director of public works.

The intersection of 19th and Main should be open to traffic by next week, while the intersection of 20th and Main streets will remain closed for the next two or three weeks, he said.

"The project is part of an effort to upgrade water lines in the older sections of town," Braun said. "Primarily to improve fire protection, with the added benefit of potentially improving water quality."

Construction of the $1.7 million project began April 21 at 18th and Main streets.

Water line construction also is slated for 20th Street and Canal Boulevard and will begin in a few weeks to ensure the area around Lincoln School will be completed during summer break.

During construction, individuals in the affected area might be without water for a short amount of time. These residents will receive 48 hours advance notice, Braun said.