Wisconsinites often joke that there are two seasons: winter and construction season. For the District, construction projects on sewer interceptors and force mains can happen any time of year.
A sewer collection system includes numerous parts, including but not limited to:
- Interceptors: An interceptor is the largest component of a sewer network. Interceptors receive flow from small sewer lines that serve multiple neighborhoods or municipalities and direct sewage to the wastewater treatment plant.
- Force mains: A force main is a pressurized sanitary sewer that transports flow from lower to higher elevations, allowing sanitary waste to travel over challenging topography, such as hills and ridges, to then flow by gravity. Force mains are connected to pumping stations, which supply the initial energy.
- Pumping station: A pumping station sits at a low point within a sewer service basin (or drainage basin). Wastewater flows by gravity to the pump station and from there, it is pumped through the pressurized force main pipe over hills and ridges to a higher elevation, where it can again flow by gravity on its way toward the regional treatment plant.
Often, these systems – interceptors, force mains and pumping stations – require construction to allow for extensions, reliefs and replacements to update outdated infrastructure and/or increase capacity to ensure the safe and reliable conveyance of wastewater while protecting public health and the environment.
Extensions are needed for new sewer lines installed for the expansion of wastewater service to newly built or newly annexed areas. Relief generally means it is the second sewer pipe of its kind along a stretch of the sewer network and having relief lines conveys additional flows needed for system redundancy and additional capacity. Rehabilitation or replacement of systems can provide structural stability, improve flows, prevent infiltration of groundwater and extend the life of the system.
Starting July 22, work on the West Interceptor Shorewood Relief project begins on the near westside of Madison between Shorewood Boulevard and Marshall Court. The work will create temporary road closures, bike path detours and landscaping removals that will require caution in the area. For details, please view our media advisory or coverage by Channel 3000.
Additional work on several other projects around the service area will begin later in 2024. You can view upcoming District projects on our Current Construction Projects page.
Note that project schedules are subject to change based on weather, contract, product/material availability and more. The District updates our project pages as information changes or becomes available.
