El Paso City Engineering rolled out a new plan to prevent flooding in an area of East El Paso that always seems to have water problems when it rains.

The section of Montwood Drive, running east from McRae Boulevard to Windrock Street, will soon be under construction for more than a year, according to El Paso City Engineering Manager Samuel Rodriguez. The 20-month project is scheduled to start in March 2012 and be completed by Nov. 2013. Construction crews will dig into Montwood to replace sewer and water lines, limiting traffic on the street from four lanes to two.

Rodriguez and fellow planners held an information meeting for residents who live in the area, giving them a chance to express concerns and ask questions about the project.

"I was most concerned about closing down sidewalks and pedestrian walkways," said Gladys Lewis, who lives near Montwood. "We live in a desert area, and we know that whenever it rains there's going to be an issue because of the drainage problems."

Those who live along the construction site were promised full access to their own properties during construction. The city is covering the cost of the construction project which is estimated at $16 million.

"This meeting was helpful in that they at least know what the overall purpose of the project is when they see the construction crews out there," Rodriguez said. "And when they get stuck in traffic, they understand what's happening and how long it's going to take."

It's unclear if and when the city will try to fix other streets in the city that have drainage problems during rainstorms.