Athens street department workers, pictured making repairs in July of 2026 to a roadway trench associated with a pipe upgrade beneath East Strain Road. | Photo: City of AthensWith work ongoing to resolve longstanding drainage issues on Strain Road in Athens, the city is informing residents to be alert to upcoming activity this week in the area along West Strain Road. On Wednesday, August 5, Morell Engineering will begin the next phase of surveys on West Strain Road. The city first undertook the estimated $16 million project in late 2024, followed by more than a year of subsequent engineering work, property negotiation, and collaboration with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The city street department began work on drainage pipes along East Strain Road in June of this year.