Temporary road closures and bike path detours planned; users encouraged to use caution
MADISON — Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District will soon start a project to install a relief pipe in a portion of the West Interceptor System conveyance sewers along the multi-use commuter path between Shorewood Boulevard and Marshall Court on Madison’s near westside.
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 original interceptor in the project area was built in 1916 and extended in 1932. Over the years, there have been many repairs and capacity improvements. The new interceptor will relieve (provide extra flow capacity for) the West Interceptor Relief, which was built in 1959. The West Interceptor system serves the near westside of the City of Madison, City of Middleton, Village of Shorewood Hills and Town of Westport.
This portion of the interceptor system must be relieved to increase capacity and ensure the safe and reliable conveyance of wastewater. Dane County is the fastest-growing county in Wisconsin, which is driving the need for added capacity in key parts of the District’s sanitary sewer system.
This is the third phase of the West Interceptor Shorewood Relief project, which will span two years and include two separate portions of the interceptor. Construction will begin on Monday, July 22, 2024, with the western portion from Shorewood Boulevard to Marshall Court.
Potential traffic impacts of the project include temporary closure of Marshall Court at University Station, temporary closure of Purdue Street, and temporary detour of Shorewood Boulevard.
The project also requires closure of the multi-use commuter path between Shorewood Boulevard and University Avenue. The path will close for one day on Monday, July 22 between Marshall Court and Purdue Street, then reopen temporarily to provide access to the Shorewood Pool for the 2024 All-City Swim Meet. The Marshall Court-Purdue Street portion of the path will close again beginning in early August. After Labor Day, the path closure will extend from Shorewood Boulevard to Marshall Court and remain closed for several months.
Drivers and path users are encouraged to use caution in the area. Select, planned tree and landscaping removals are necessary to complete the work. Additionally, some off-hours work will be needed.
The second portion of this project, which will begin in Spring 2025, includes sections of the interceptor that run along University Avenue and Campus Drive between University Bay Drive and Walnut Street. During this portion of the project, the on and off ramps to Highland Avenue will be closed. The District is working with the City of Madison, University Hospital, local neighborhoods and other neighboring businesses and organizations in the project area to minimize disruptions and keep residents and visitors informed of closures and detours.
Information about the West Interceptor Shorewood Relief project can be found at madsewer.org/wis-relief.
