Project

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, MSD Project Clear is designing a project to construct a new stormwater sewer in the Harlem and Baden neighborhoods of the City of St. Louis.

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

View Project Presentation Public Meeting

Why is this project being designed?

This area currently utilizes a “combined sewer system” in which one pipe in the street carries both stormwater from street inlets and wastewater from homes and businesses. As part of their evaluation, our team of engineers determined that the combined sewer was undersized and in need of repairs. During heavy rains, the combined sewer has been unable to handle the excess water, leading to sewer backups in homes and buildings.

What is the goal of this project?

To fix the problem described above, MSD Project Clear is investing $6.5 million to add a second pipe in the street to manage the stormwater, while the existing pipe will remain dedicated as a wastewater sewer.

Project Facts

• Construction is estimated to begin in the Summer of 2022
• MSD Project Clear will construct 7,987 feet of storm sewer to separate stormwater from the current combined sewer (a sewer that handles both wastewater and stormwater)
• MSD’s contractor will put the pipe in by digging through the surface, a process known as “open-cut.”

What can residents expect?

Though construction for this project is not estimated to begin until the Summer of 2022, it is important to be prepared for what to expect. MSD is currently in the process of contacting property owners to obtain necessary easements for properties MSD will need access to in order to construct the project.

During construction, MSD’s contractor will put the pipe in by digging through the surface, a process known as “open-cut.” Because much of the construction takes place in the roadway, customers may experience lane and road closures. However, MSD will have a traffic mitigation plan to ensure residents have access to homes and businesses, and at least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times.

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

After the contractor installs all new pipes, they 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.

• Design phase completion: Fall 2020
• Easement acquisition completion: Fall 2021
• Estimated construction start date: Summer 2022*
• Estimated construction duration: 19 months

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