A downtown Santa Maria sewer improvement project between Broadway (Hwy. 135) and Depot Street begins Monday, March 17, with construction expected to last about four months.

The project will add sewer capacity for current customers and future downtown revitalization projects that could bring 620 apartments to downtown in the new few years, the city said.

A trench will be dug along the Heritage Walk corridor behind businesses facing West Main Street (Hwy.166). Crews will install a new 12-inch diameter sewer line to tie into an existing, smaller sewer main, the city said.

Heritage Walk consists of about 2,000 personalized 6-inch-by-6-inch tiles placed about 35 years ago. The project necessitates the removal of some of those tiles.

The city will endeavor to salvage as many tiles as possible for retrieval by family members. Anyone with questions may contact the Recreation and Parks Department.

Santa Maria has contracted with R. Baker, Inc. for the $1.5 million project.

Questions may be directed to the Department of Public Works, 805-925-0951 ext. 2255.