The City of Minot has announced it has closed eight blocks of 11th Avenue Northwest to replace the watermain in the area.

The stretch of 11th Avenue from Eighth Street to 16th Street will be closed for the summer, but residents will continue to have access. The half-mile project is part of the city’s effort to eventually replace about 70 miles of cast iron pipes.

The cost of the 11th Avenue project is nearly $2.9 million, according to the city. The State Water Commission is providing about 60% of the funding. The city’s share is $67,659, with the remainder funded through a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund low interest loan.