Project will affect Military Ridge Path and Cannonball Path; virtual information meeting scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19
MADISON — Construction on Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Nine Springs Valley Interceptor between McKee Road and Dunn’s Marsh is scheduled to begin on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. This project will replace a deteriorating sanitary interceptor along the Military Ridge Path and Cannonball Path, 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 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, Middleton, and the cities of Fitchburg and Verona. Additionally, the current capacity isn’t enough to meet the 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 being 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; the project will replace approximately 4,200 lineal feet of the interceptor. R.G. Huston Co., Inc. was awarded the construction contract. The project will take approximately one year and be complete in December 2021.
The District will be posting detour signage with wayfinding maps in the construction area and along nearby trail connections over the next week.
As a majority of the interceptor runs adjacent to or under the Military Ridge and Cannonball paths, the project includes restoration of the trails as well as other improvements. These improvements include new lighting at Velo UnderRound roundabout and additional signage for trail amenities. The District will also remove invasive species and restore native species in select areas. The District has also avoided disturbing local wetlands to the maximum extent possible.
“We recognize that the trail detours and construction will be an inconvenience, but the numerous benefits of this sewer project will be a significant improvement to the region in regard to public health and environmental protection,” says Michael Mucha, the District’s chief engineer and director.
The public is invited to learn more the project and ask question at a virtual public information meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.
