Projects

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, MSD Project Clear is designing a project to construct approximately 7,920 feet of undersized wastewater sewers in the cities of Ladue, Clayton, and University City.    The project is estimated to begin construction as early as the Spring of 2023.

Watch Public Meeting - December 16, 2020

Why is this project being designed?

As part of their evaluation, our team of engineers determined that the sewer in this neighborhood is undersized and in need of repairs. During intense rainfall, the sewers become overloaded leading to basement backups and wastewater overflows into Black Creek.

What is the goal of this project?

MSD Project Clear is investing approximately $17.6 million to improve the wastewater sewers in the cities of Ladue, Clayton, and University City.  The goal is to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, which occur when the sewers become overloaded during intense rainfall. This project and allow MSD to eliminate 3 constructed overflow points.  

Project Facts

• Construction is estimated to begin as early as Fall 2023.
• MSD Project Clear will replace approximately 7,920 feet of wastewater pipe.
• The pipe size will increase to between 8 and 42-inches in diameter allowing a larger amount of wastewater to flow through the system. 

How will it be built?

Some of this project will be constructed by digging through the surface, a process known as “open-cut.” The contractor will dig a trench several feet into the ground, remove the old sewer pipe, and replace it with a newer, larger pipe.

What can residents expect?

This project will be constructed by digging through the surface of the ground in a process known as “open-cut” construction.  The pictures above depict what a neighborhood will look like before, during and after a typical open-cut project.   In some areas, the contractor will use tunneling to avoid major traffic implications. With any type of construction, residents can expect to see and hear heavy equipment during the sewer excavation process.

Traffic and Access: As much of the construction will take place in paved areas, MSD anticipates traffic disruptions for “through traffic”.  Drivers will experience temporary lane closures as construction crosses roadways and will see increased construction traffic. Traffic control will be provided as needed.

The contractor will follow all local ordinances and will notify all properties of any temporary access restrictions. As the majority of construction will take place in backyards, MSD anticipates minimal property access restrictions. The contractor will give all property owners ample notification prior to any access restrictions.

Restoration:  After all new sewer pipes are installed, the contractor will restore the construction site according to all MSD and local requirements. This could include sodding any disturbed areas, replacing disturbed pavement, reinstalling fences, etc.

At least one MSD Inspector will be on-site part of the day for every day the contractor is working.

What is the timeline?

This is the current tentative project schedule. This is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather.

• Estimated construction start: Fall 2023
• Estimated construction duration: 2.5 years.