Project

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups, overcharged sewers, and to prevent road and structure flooding, MSD Project Clear is constructing a project to replace approximately 1,700 feet of wastewater sewer and installing approximately 822 feet of channel improvements in the Cities of Pasadena Hills and Northwoods.

The project is estimated to begin construction in the Spring of 2022. 

The Contractor on this project was formerly Aztec Construction Specialties, LLC, but is now Fred M. Luth.

Why is this project being constructed?

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. Additionally, MSD staff found that creek erosion was endangering private property.

Because of this, MSD Project Clear is investing almost $1.2 million to construct this project to increase the size and depth of the existing sewer and provide channel stabilization.

What is the goal of this project?

MSD Project Clear is investing $1.7 million to design and construct this project to increase the size and depth of the existing sewer and provide natural channel stabilization.

Project Facts

• Construction is estimated to begin in late 2021 or early 2022.
• MSD Project Clear will replace approximately 1,700 feet of wastewater pipe.
• The pipe size will increase to between 8 and 15-inches in diameter allowing a larger amount of wastewater to flow through the system.
• Approximately 822 feet of channel improvements like a modular block wall, rock blanket, and native plantings will be made. 

How will it be built?

Residents whose property will need to be accessed to construct the project were contacted by December 2020 to obtain the necessary easements. If you have questions how/if your property will be accessed, please contact the Project Manager.

The majority of the wastewater sewer will be installed by digging through the surface, in a process known as “open-cut” construction. Open-cut construction will take place on Roland Boulevard, Nelson Drive, Winchester Drive, and Bristol Drive. The pictures above depict what a neighborhood will look like before, during, and after a typical open-cut project.

There is a smaller portion of the project where the pipe will be installed by tunneling underneath Lucas and Hunt Road. Tunneling is being used in this area to minimize disruption to the surface on a high traffic roadway.

With any type of construction, residents can expect to see and hear heavy equipment during the sewer excavation process. This includes the channel stabilization work in the creek where materials will be transported in and out of the project site.

After all new sewer pipes are installed, the contractor will restore the construction site according to all local and District 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.

How will this affect residents?

Though construction for this project is not estimated to begin until at least Spring of 2022, it is important to be prepared for what to expect. In the Summer of 2020, residents whose property will need to be accessed to construct the project will be contacted in order to obtain necessary easements.

With any type of construction, residents can expect to see and hear heavy equipment during the sewer excavation process. 

After all new sewer pipes are installed, the contractor will restore the construction site according to all local and District 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: April 2020
• Easement acquisition completion: December 2020
• Estimated construction start: Late 2021/Early 2022
• Estimated project duration:  Late Spring/Early Summer 2024