Project

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, MSD Project Clear is designing a project to replace approximately 9,200 feet of wastewater sewers and 4,200 feet of stormwater sewers in the cities of Richmond Heights and Clayton.  MSD Project Clear will also disconnect sources where stormwater and groundwater enter the wastewater sewers (known as inflow and infiltration) from approximately 65 private properties.

The project is estimated to begin construction in late 2024.

View August 20, 2020 Virtual Town Hall Project Presentation

What is the goal of this project?

MSD Project Clear is investing approximately $14.4 million to separate the sewers, increase the size of the wastewater and stormwater pipes and disconnect sources of inflow and infiltration from about 65 private properties in the cities of Richmond Heights and Clayton.  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 sewers.  In addition, one constructed overflow point (known as a CSO) will be removed from the wastewater system.

Project Facts

• Construction is estimated to begin in late 2024.
• MSD Project Clear will construct approximately 9,200 feet of wastewater pipe, and 4,200 feet of stormwater pipe. 
• The wastewater pipe size will vary between 6 and 30-inches in diameter. The stormwater pipe size will vary between 12 and 21-inches. The increase in pipe size will allow a larger amount of water to flow through the system.

Utility Relocation

MSD has launched a pilot project to reduce conflicts with other utilities prior to project construction. Prior to beginning construction on this project, MSD will coordinate with Spire, AT&T, Missouri American Water and Ameren to relocate utilities in the construction path to avoid outages and reduce delays. This preliminary work is anticipated to begin in early 2024 and last approximately six months. Pavement will be restored after these relocations are completed.

What can residents expect?

Though construction for this project is not estimated to begin until 2024, it is important to be prepared for what to expect. While much of the construction will take place in existing easments, MSD may need to obtain new easements from property owners.  Prior to construction, residents whose property will need to be accessed to construct the project will be contacted to obtain the necessary easements or to be notified of work that will take place in existing easements.

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.

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. 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 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.

• Complete project design: Summer 2020
• Utility relocation start: Early 2024
• Easement acquisition completion: Fall 2024
• Estimated construction start: Late 2024
• Estimated construction duration: Approximately 3 years

*Anticipated construction start date is subject to change. MSD will notify residents before beginning construction.