NEWBERRY — Work will start soon to replace old water and sewer lines in the Oakland Mill community.

The scope of the work, which should start in late March, will include upgrades in the lines, installation of new fire hydrants, curb and gutter work and the resurfacing of streets impacted by the project.

The work will take place in the center of the community around Second and Third streets. The outer edges of the community saw similar work a couple of years ago.

The construction is being funded through a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant and $195,000 from city’s utility revenue.

City Manager Jeff Shacker had expected bids for the construction to come in around $648,000 but the low bid by Trussell Brothers Construction Co. out of Columbia was $596,911.67.

The bid was over $51,000 below the estimate and almost $68,000 behind the next lowest bid.

The project also will be similar in work recently done in the West End area and motorist can expect to see some road closures and patched roadways during the construction phase.