Projects

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups and reduce sewer overflows, MSD Project Clear is designing a project to replace approximately 4, 240 feet  of undersized wastewater sewers in the City of Sunset Hills and unincorporated St. Louis County.

What is the goal of this project?

MSD Project Clear is investing approximately $4.5 million to improve the wastewater sewers in the city of Sunset Hills and unincorporated St. Louis County. The goal is to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, which occur when the sewers become overloaded during intense rainfall.  It will also allow MSD to eliminate 1 sanitary sewer overflow point.  

Project Facts

• Construction is estimated to begin in late Summer 2024.
• MSD Project Clear will replace approximately 4,240 feet of wastewater pipe.
• The pipe size will increase to between 8-18 inches in diameter allowing a larger amount of wastewater to flow through the system.

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 some of the construction will take place in the street, residents should expect temporary lane closures on Emil Avenue, Sappington Road, Gravois Road and Parklind Drive. MSD Project Clear will maintain at least one lane of traffic at all times to allow residents to enter and exit.

Similarly, construction may lead to temporarily limited access to some properties along the construction route. Restrictions will be limited to active construction hours, and the contractor will notify property owners in advance of any access restrictions.

Restoration:  After all new sewer pipes are installed, the Contractor will restore the construction site according to all District 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: Summer 2024
• Estimated construction duration: 15 months