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 was installed as part of the City of Madison University Avenue project. The District’s work was complete in Spring 2023 and the overall University Avenue project reached completion in Fall 2023. Phase 2 ran 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 and 2025 to avoid interference with the City of Madison University Avenue project.
Construction of the western portion of the overall Phase 3 project from Shorewood Blvd to Marshall Court will take place in Summer 2024. Construction of the West Interceptor Shorewood Relief Phase 3 project in Highland Avenue and in the Campus Drive on and off ramps has been rescheduled to take place in 2025. View a map of Phase 3.
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
At the virtual public information meeting for Phase 3 of the District’s West Interceptor Shorewood Relief project, we presented the near-final design and restoration plans, tentative construction sequence and schedule (subject to change), provided planned detours, and provided resources for the public during construction. The presentation was followed by a Q&A period.
Phase 3 Meeting: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
Postcards with information about project meetings will be sent to residents within 300 to 400 feet of the project. In addition to the public meetings the District has been in ongoing coordination discussions with utilities, municipalities, hospitals, the railroad and other agencies and stakeholders.
