Projects

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups and overflows, MSD Project Clear is constructing a project to replace approximately 2,500 feet of undersized wastewater sewers in the cities of Woodson Terrace, St. John and Breckenridge Hills.

What is the goal of this project?

MSD Project Clear is investing approximately $2.2 million to improve wastewater sewers in the cities of Woodson Terrace, St. John and Breckenridge Hills. The goal is to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, which occur when the sewers become overloaded during intense rainfall. This project will reduce such occurrences by increasing the size and capacity of the existing sewer.

Project Facts

• Construction is estimated to begin in Spring 2024.
• MSD will replace approximately 2,500 feet of wastewater pipe.
• The pipe size will increase to between 8 and 18-inches in diameter, allowing a larger amount of water to flow through the system.

How will it be built?

Most of this project will be constructed by digging through the surface, a process known as “open-cut.” The contractor will dig several feet into the ground, remove the old sewer pipe, and replace it with a newer, larger pipe. However, for some of this project, tunneling will be used to avoid major implications.

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 the street, residents should expect temporary lane closures on Muriel Avenue, Edmundson Road, Harold Drive and Kathlyn Drive. MSD Project Clear will generally maintain at least one lane of traffic at all times to allow property owners to enter and exit. Traffic control will be provided as needed. A temporary access road will be built at the West end of Muriel Drive, connecting Muriel to Chester Drive. As the project moves East on Muriel, property owners will be able to access their homes via the temporary access road off Chester Drive.

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 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: Spring 2024
• Estimated construction duration: Summer 2025