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. 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 is focused on two main sites:
- Shoreline Drive and Auditors Road intersection: The pipe in this area was sagging due to poor soil. A new pipe has been installed and the surrounding soil has been 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.
Project schedule
This project began in June 2024 and is estimated to be completed by April 2025, with final restoration in summer 2025.
Site one
The new pipe is installed and operating at site one, located at the Auditors Road intersection. Shoreline drive is now open. Thank you for your patience.
Site two
Crews are currently drilling and replacing the pipe under Seton Channel at site two between Montclair Lane and West Arm Road.
West Arm Road will be resurfaced between Shoreline Drive and the Dakota Rail Trail bridge over the Seton Channel for late August through mid-September. The curb and surface level of the road will be removed and replaced with new asphalt. Construction will cause brief traffic delays on West Arm Road. Through traffic will be allowed during construction on a gravel lane. Flaggers will direct traffic, and vehicles will need to stop and take turns navigating around construction activity.
Repaving, site cleanup, and restoration for site two will continue throughout October. This work is expected to be substantially completed on schedule by the end of October.
Lane shifts are in place along Shoreline Drive. Please follow all signs and traffic control..
A segment of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail remains closed due to sewer construction. Work in the area is progressing on schedule.
What to expect
People who live or work near the project area may experience some disruptions, including temporary road and trail closures, general noise and vibration, temporary driveway closures, odor, dust, contractor equipment, lights, 24-hour pumps, and periodic overnight work.
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 aboveground 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. Learn more about this in the
“What is a temporary conveyance system?” section.
Met Council 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.
Detours and traffic impacts
Sewer replacement will cause temporary road and trail closures. Please plan ahead for traffic backups and drive safely in the construction area.
Business and residential access will be maintained throughout construction.
Reconstruction of Shoreline Drive at the Auditors Road intersection is complete. The road and sidewalks are now open. Hennepin County is adding the final road stripes and markings with no impact to traffic. Thank you for your patience.
Shoreline Drive lane shifts at site two
All traffic is shifted to the south side of Shoreline Drive from Montclair Lane to West Arm Road to allow space for construction. One lane of traffic is open in each direction.
Dakota Rail Trail
The Dakota Rail Trail is temporarily closed from Kings Road to Montclair Lane. A signed detour is in place using 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.
