Project overview
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s West Intercepting System is a complex network of sewers that provides service to the near west side of Madison, Middleton, Shorewood Hills and Westport. The original West Interceptor was built in 1916, and there have been several extensions, reliefs and replacements added to the system over the years. The existing interceptor needs to be replaced to increase capacity, which ensures the safe and reliable conveyance of wastewater while protecting public health and the environment.
Phase 1
Phase 1 replaced a pipe installed in 1959 that no longer has sufficient capacity to serve the District's growing service area. The new pipe was laid on the north side of the railroad tracks from Indian Hills Park to Shorewood Boulevard. Sewage flow is from west to east (Indian Hills Park toward Shorewood Boulevard).
Phase 2
Phase 2 is a relief pipe to eventually provide the additional required capacity. It is being installed as part of the City of Madison University Avenue project. The District’s work is expected to be complete in Spring 2023 and the overall University Avenue project is scheduled for completion in Fall 2023. Phase 2 will run from University Station just east of Marshall Court to just west of University Bay Drive. The installed pipe will not be connected to a live sewer at either end until Phase 3.
Phase 3
Phase 3 will connect to both ends of Phase 2 (see overall project map). Construction was originally planned for 2023 and is now scheduled to take place in 2024 to avoid interference with the City of Madison University Avenue project.
Public involvement
Multiple public meetings have been held for the various phases of this project
Phase 1
- Meeting #1, In-Person: October 21, 2019
- Meeting #2, Virtual: October 6, 2020
- Meeting #3, Virtual: March 18, 2021
Postcards with information about the project and virtual meetings were sent to residents in the project area.
Phase 2
Phase 2 public outreach and public meetings were led by the City of Madison. Meeting information and materials are available on the City’s project web page.
Phase 3
Join us for a virtual public information meeting for Phase 3 of the District’s West Interceptor Shorewood Relief project. At this meeting, we will present the near-final design and restoration plans, tentative construction sequence and schedule (subject to change), provide planned detours, and provide resources for the public during construction. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A period.
Phase 3 Meeting: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
- This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom; register here
Postcards with information about the project meetings will be sent to residents within 300 to 400 feet of the project. In addition to the upcoming public meeting, the District has been in ongoing coordination discussions with utilities, municipalities, hospitals, the railroad and other agencies and stakeholders.
