Project overview
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (ES), operator of the metro-area wastewater collection and treatment system, is rehabilitating aging and deteriorating sanitary sewer pipes (called interceptors) in the cities of Mound and Spring Park starting in spring 2024. These improvements will rehabilitate infrastructure, provide capacity for future growth and increase reliability.
The replacement work will occur along Shoreline Drive. Construction is expected to begin in June 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by April 2025.
The Met Council is committed to supporting clean water and a healthy environment, and maintaining regional sewers is an important part of doing so. This project will replace the aging and deteriorating sanitary sewer to ensure ongoing service.
These sewer pipes connect community lines serving homes and businesses in Mound to the regional wastewater system. A routine inspection showed these pipes are in very poor condition and in need of immediate repair. Replacing them will improve the wastewater system and protect against breaks or leaks that could impact public and environmental health near Lake Minnetonka.
Construction locations and activities
Construction work will focus on two main sites:
- Shoreline Drive and Auditors Road intersection: The pipe in this area is sagging due to poor soil. A new pipe will be installed and the surrounding soil will be leveled and strengthened to prevent future issues.
- Shoreline Drive between Chateau Lane and West Arm Road: The entire section of force main in this area will be replaced.
In 2025, Hennepin County is planning to reconstruct Shoreline Drive. Replacing the sewer pipes prior to construction will limit the overall length of disruptions in the neighborhood and prevent future construction on the newly rebuilt road.
Project schedule
This project is estimated to begin in June 2024 and be completed by April 2025, with final restoration in summer 2025.
What to expect
People who live or work near the project area may experience some disruptions.
Lane closures will be in place throughout construction, with one lane open in each direction. A full road closure and detour will be needed for several weeks during the pipe replacement at Auditors Road.
Additionally, a temporary closure and detour of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail may be necessary during portions of construction around the Seton Channel crossing.
There may be a need for excavation around some manholes to install equipment for removing existing pipes. Those living or working nearby may experience potential odors, noise and minor traffic impacts. Crews will install temporary wastewater conveyance pipes. These pipes are set up to transfer wastewater around the construction area. They will be primarily located above ground but will be buried under driveways and road crossings to maintain access. Temporary short-term closures of road and driveways will occur to bury these pipes.
ES will alert the community ahead of any upcoming closures or other potential disruptions. To stay up to date on the project, join the email list.
Aboveground temporary wastewater conveyance pipes will be installed at select locations to ensure there are no disruptions to sanitary sewer service during construction. Learn more about this in the “What is a temporary conveyance system?” section.
Detours
Sewer replacement will cause temporary road and trail closures.
Shoreline Drive will be closed from Commerce Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard for approximately eight weeks. This closure is expected to occur mid-June through mid-August. A signed detour will direct traffic via Commerce Boulevard, Highway 125, and Wilshire Boulevard.
The Dakota Rail Trail will also be temporarily impacted by construction. The trail will be closed from Kings Road to Montclair Lane for approximately eight weeks from early June through early August. A signed detour will direct trail traffic via Kings Road, Shoreline Drive, and Montclair Lane.
What is a temporary conveyance system?
Aboveground temporary wastewater conveyance pipes will be installed to ensure there are no disruptions to sewer service during construction. These pipes reroute sewer flow around the work site during construction.
Some temporary conveyance pipes may be buried under driveways or roadways to maintain access/minimize disruption. Property owners will be notified in advance if this is necessary. Diesel pumps with noise dampening equipment (low noise) will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of the temporary wastewater conveyance system.
What is pipe bursting?
The pipe at site two (Chateau Lane to West Arm Road) will be replaced using pipe bursting, an innovative method of replacing old or damaged pipes buried underground without completely digging them up. The pipe bursting method inserts a specialized tool into old pipes which breaks or splits this pipe in place. A new pipe is then pulled in behind the tool to replace the old pipe. This system causes minimal disruption and is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
