Work on new sewer lines for an area of Springfield that has been asking for help is under way — but construction is still many weeks away, according to City Manager Brett Bennett.

The city got a community development block grant for $359,605 to put in a sewer lines for nearly 20 homes in the Railroad Avenue-Tunnel Road area. Residents there on septic tanks and have been plagued by problems over the years.

Bennett said the necessary surveys of the area have been completed, and was scheduled to meet with the project’s engineer to discuss the design process.

“It’s moving along,” Bennett said. “It’s going to take some time.”

The topography work for the area also has been completed.

Of the 46 residents who will be served by the new sewer lines, 43 were found to be either low- or moderate-income level.

The total budget for the project is $529,725, and an in-kind match of $84,120 will cover tap-in fees for the homes to be served by the new sewer line.