Public input sought on trail detours; virtual information meeting slated for this Thursday, Aug. 6
MADISON, WIS. — Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District is in the final planning stages of a project to replace a sanitary interceptor along the Military Ridge Trail and Cannonball Path. This project, known as Nine Springs Valley Interceptor Improvements – McKee Road to Dunn’s Marsh, will affect access to these trails, and portions of the trails will be closed during the project.
“This portion of the interceptor is deteriorating and needs to be replaced to effectively convey wastewater to the Nine Springs wastewater treatment plant,” says Rachel Feil, the District’s project engineer. “It also serves a fast-growing part of our service area — Madison’s west side and the cities of Fitchburg and Verona. The current capacity isn’t enough to meet this area’s projected future demands.”
An interceptor is the largest component of a sewer network. It receives flow from small sewer lines and directs sewage to the wastewater treatment plant. The portion of the interceptor that will be replaced in this project was built in 1965.
Following a comprehensive analysis with consultant MSA Professional Services, Inc., the District has chosen to build a new interceptor to replace the existing one, spanning approximately 4,200 lineal feet. Work is anticipated to begin November 2020 and be complete December 2021.
As the majority of the interceptor runs adjacent to or under the Military Ridge and Cannonball trails, the project includes restoration of the trails as well as other trail improvements. These improvements include new lighting at the Velo UnderRound roundabout and additional signage for trail amenities. The District will also seek to recycle trees removed during the construction process and remove invasive species for restoration of native species in select areas. The District has also avoided disturbing local wetlands to the maximum extent possible.
“The District’s mission is to protect public health and the environment, and with this project, we are achieving that in many ways with the sewer replacement, trail improvements and ecological improvements,” says Michael Mucha, chief engineer and director of the District. “We recognize that the trail detours and construction will be an inconvenience, but the numerous benefits of the project will be a significant improvement for the region.”
The District is currently seeking input on potential trail detours. The public is invited to learn more at a virtual public information meeting this Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. To participate, register at https://bit.ly/NSVI-PIM-Aug20. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional details.
Interested parties can also provide feedback on the proposed detours at https://bit.ly/NSVI- detour-Feedback. The feedback form closes Saturday, Aug. 8.
Once the detour routes are finalized, they will be posted in advance so path users can plan accordingly.
Learn more about the project by visiting www.madsewer.org/Projects/NSVI-Improvements.
