Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project - Construction Updates

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Latest Construction Updates

• 11:00 a.m., February 16, 2026

• Cleanup efforts including wastewater removal, rinsing, and disinfection of hard surfaces (including sidewalks, and the East River Trail) were completed by Friday, Feb.13, at approximately 5 p.m. NEW Water continued monitoring impacted sites throughout the weekend and into this morning. All locations remain stable, and no additional issues have been observed. NEW Water is working with the contractor to ensure appropriate measures are taken before the bypass system is put back into service. NEW Water is grateful to all for assistance, and patience as this issue is resolved.
  
  Construction Updates
  
  With the fluctuating temperatures, snow melt often puddles and refreezes so please stay alert for ice on sidewalks and roads.
  
  Current work activities include:
  
  • Pit excavation work on Adams St., between Stuart St. and Doty St. continues.
  • Crews will restart the temporary conveyance system along the East River to complete additional manhole work. Temporary, above-ground pumps are used to support this activity. While the pumps are designed with sound attenuation to minimize noise, residents may still hear the pumps running.
  • Sewer abandonment will continue along the East River.
  • Main St., between N. Jackson St. and the Fox River, will remain one-lane in the westbound direction.
  
  Contractor working on abandonment of the decommissioned East River Interceptor.
  
  

Contractor working on abandonment of the decommissioned East River Interceptor.

• Public Notification: 3:50 p.m., February 13, 2026

• Cleanup efforts are still underway following last evening’s sewer leak incident related to NEW Water’s sewer project.
  
  We want to extend a heartfelt thank you and shout out to our valued partners at the City of Green Bay’s Department of Public Works for their swift assistance, collaboration, and partnership. Their crews were instrumental in this cleanup effort. They came to our aid in a time of need, helping us to better serve our community – and we are truly grateful.
  
  As cleanup operations continue, our team has completed a preliminary assessment of the release volumes. Across the six sites, an estimated 8,650 gallons of wastewater were released. Of that amount, approximately 2,200 gallons entered the storm sewer system or the East River. The team estimates a combined 12,000 gallons of snow melt, wastewater, and rinse water (potable water) were removed from the sites as part of the cleanup.
  
  The public is asked to continue to steer clear of workers at these sites, and also avoid taped off areas. The affected areas are near Main Street and Monroe Street; N. Irwin Ave. and St. Clair St.; near the north side of Whitney Park; Pine St. and N. Roosevelt St.; near Baird St. and the East River Trail; and on Pine St. between Webster Ave. and N. Clay St. The City of Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Brown County Public Health have all been notified. Sanitary sewer service remains uninterrupted.
  

  Additional information follows below.

  **UPDATE** Public Notification: 8:15 a.m., February 13, 2026

  At approximately 9:45pm on Feb. 12, additional leaks were discovered in additional locations: N. Irwin and St. Clair St.; Main St. near N. Van Buren; Pine St. and N. Roosevelt St.; Near Baird St. and Walnut St. Crews responded to the site quickly and stopped the leaks.

  Last night, clean-up efforts were hampered by the frozen conditions, so the team shifted to securing the sites with caution tape to prevent public access. Crews are onsite this morning to coordinate the clean-up efforts under better conditions.

  The quantity of the wastewater release is still being determined. Some of the sanitary sewer overflow reached the East River.

  NEW Water has notified the City of Green Bay, the Brown County Department of Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sanitary sewer service has not been interrupted.

  Public Notification: 9:45 p.m., February 12, 2026

  At approximately 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 12, a leak was discovered at a sewer bypass pipe, near Main St. and Monroe St. in Green Bay. The sanitary sewer overflow may have reached the East River at the area of this leak. The quantity is currently being determined.

  It is estimated that the leak was stopped within an hour. Cleanup efforts were underway Thursday evening.

  This leak occurred during maintenance work occurring on the bypass pipe as part of the Downtown Interceptors Sewer Project. NEW Water has notified the City of Green Bay, the Brown County Department of Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sanitary sewer service has not been interrupted.

   

   

   

• 1/26/2026 Update: With these extreme winter temperatures, please remember to drive safely, in particular around construction areas, for your safety, and for the safety of workers, as well as the equipment.

Current work activities include:

• • Sewer abandonment along the west side of the East River.
  • Teams drilling and setting piles in preparation for pit excavation on Adams St., between Stuart St. and Doty St.
  • Cleaning of the NEW Water interceptor will resume along Main St., with traffic reduced to one lane westbound on Main St., between N. Jackson St. and the Ray Nitschke bridge.

• • In addition to the work outlined above, crews will restart the temporary conveyance system along the East River beginning today to complete additional manhole work. Temporary, above-ground pumps are used to support this activity. While the pumps are designed with sound attenuation to minimize noise, residents may still hear the pumps running.
  • Motorists, please stay alert for temporary lane closures along Main St., Ceder St., Roosevelt St., St. Claire St., Baird St. and Webster Ave.

As a reminder, construction activities are weather dependent. Construction activities and schedules are subject to change.

• 1/12/2026 Update: The weather this time of year is creating slippery conditions, please remember to drive safely, in particular around construction areas, for your safety, and for the safety of workers, as well as the equipment. With the start of the new year, crews will resume a full work schedule. Current work activities include:
  • • Decommissioning portions of the temporary conveyance system is occurring in preparation for removal.
    • Sewer abandonment along the west side of the East River.
    • Cleaning of the NEW Water interceptor will resume along Adams Street.
    • Crews will also begin preparation for a slipline insertion pit on Adams Street, between Stuart St. and Doty St. Please note, traffic will be reduced to one lane northbound near this area, and will remain until fall 2026. No parking will be permitted on either side of Adams St. in this work zone. Pedestrian access to the west sidewalk will also be closed.

The figure to the left depicts how sliplining works, a cost-effective method for rehabilitating sewer pipe. This method allows the sewer to be repaired without the need for extensive trenching to replace the large-diameter pipe.

• • 12/22/2025 Update: With extreme cold temperatures and slippery conditions, please remember to drive safely, in particular around construction areas, for your safety, and for the safety of workers, as well as the equipment. Over the upcoming holiday, crews will pause work. Work will resume the week of Dec. 29th. Current work activities include:
    • Manhole rehabilitation continues and is anticipated to be completed the week of December 22nd.  Please note traffic will be impacted on Main St., Cedar St., Roosevelt St., St. Clair St., Baird St. and Webster Ave. during that time.
      
  • Public Notification
    • Broken air release valve on bypass pipe causes sanitary sewer overflow
    • On December 16 at approximately 1:30 p.m., an air release valve on a bypass pipe broke, causing a sanitary sewer overflow in East Lawn Park near the East River and East River Trail. An estimated 700 gallons of wastewater spilled. A vacuum truck was dispatched, the spill was contained, and the site was cleaned. The overflow did not reach the river. The broken equipment has been replaced, and sanitary sewer service was not interrupted. The bypass pumping is part of the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project. The City of Green Bay, Village of Allouez, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have been notified.

Click on the maps to enlarge.

• • 12/5/2025 Update: With extreme cold temperatures and slippery conditions, please remember to drive safely, in particular around construction areas, for your safety, and for the safety of workers, as well as the equipment. Following the Thanksgiving holiday, crews have resumed work in the following areas:
    • Manhole rehabilitation has begun. Please note traffic will be impacted on Main St., Cedar St., Roosevelt St., and Webster Ave. during that time.
    • In Emilie Park, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining work will occur throughout December, and take place 24/7, including overnight. Residents should expect construction equipment noise for the duration of this work.
    • Temporary conveyance pipe will extend from East Lawn Park and run north along the East River to Mason St. Please note Emilie Park and Optimist Park will be impacted by this work.
    • Temporary above-ground pumps will be operating 24/7, including overnight, in the East Lawn Park in the Village of Allouez, from approximately Dec. 4 – mid January. These pumps are designed with sound attenuation to minimize noise; however, residents may still hear the pumps running.

Click on the maps to enlarge.

• • 11/20/2025 Update: Construction will be paused some days during the Thanksgiving holiday. For public safety, please avoid construction areas. Full construction activities will resume Dec. 1^st, and include:
    • Manhole rehabilitation will begin Dec. 1^st. Please note traffic will be impacted on Main St., Cedar St., and Webster Ave. during that time.
    • Temporary conveyance pipe will extend from East Lawn Park and run north along the East River to Mason St. Please note Emilie Park and Optimists Park will be impacted by this work.
    • Cleaning of interceptor on Adams St.
    • Temporary above-ground pumps will be operating 24/7, including overnight, in the East Lawn Park in the Village of Allouez, from approximately Dec. 4 – mid January. These pumps are designed with sound attenuation to minimize noise; however, residents may still hear the pumps running.

Click on the maps to enlarge.

• • 11/7/2025 Update: The Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) installation work is ongoing and will soon begin in the area of N. Baird St. and St. Clair St. (see map below). The CIPP process will also operate 24/7 and may take up to five consecutive days to complete per section. Please note that traffic on N. Baird St. will be impacted and construction equipment noise will occur for the duration of this work. Additionally, on the decommissioned East River Interceptor, pipe abandonment work, which involves excavation and digging, is ongoing (see map below).

Click on the maps to enlarge.

• • 10/23/2025 Update: The temporary conveyance system for the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project is now operating and will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7). The Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) installation work is ongoing and will soon begin in the area of N. Roosevelt St. and St. Clair St. (see map). The CIPP process will also operate 24/7 and may take up to five consecutive days to complete per section. Please note that traffic on N Roosevelt St. will be impacted and construction equipment noise will occur for the duration of this work. Additionally, on the decommissioned East River Interceptor, pipe abandonment work (see map), which involves excavation and digging, is scheduled to begin this week.

  • 10/10/2025 Update: The temporary conveyance system for the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project is now operating. As shown on the enclosed map, this system will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7) and includes pumps that are essential for maintaining continuous wastewater services during the renewal work. This portion of the project is expected to last approximately three months. Starting the week of October 13, the Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) installation will begin in the area of Webster Ave and Cedar St. The CIPP process will run 24 hours a day and may take up to five consecutive days per section. Please note that traffic on N Webster Ave will be impacted, and please expect construction equipment noise to occur for the duration of this work. Thank you in advance for your patience as we renew this critical infrastructure which serves your neighborhood. The CIPP process involves curing a new pipe inside the existing pipe to rehabilitate the system without excavation. For more information, view this educational video created by NASSCO.

  • 9/22/2025 Update: The temporary conveyance system (this includes the large black pipes that you’ve seen) for the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project is scheduled to begin operations during the week of September 22 in the area shown on the enclosed map. That system is currently intended to run 24/5, which means 24 hours a day, during the 5-day work week. It is important to note that pumps will be running at night as well. Due to these pumps, residents and passersby may notice additional noise during this portion of the project, which is expected to take approximately three months. The pumps are running to convey the wastewater to provide continuous wastewater service. Sewer cleaning along Adams Street has been completed. Sewer cleaning now will commence in other portions of the project area.

  • 9/8/2025 Update: Work continues on the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project. Pipe staging, fusing, and cutting efforts are ongoing. In preparation for the temporary bypass system, excavation work will begin and pumps will be placed.
    Crews are continuing efforts on cleaning the interceptor sewer pipe in preparation for sliplining. Once completed, crews will be using LIDAR technology to assist with detailed surveying and project planning. Expect road closures and impacts to local traffic. 

  • 8/22/2025 Update: Work continues on the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project. Current activities include pipe staging, fusing, cutting, pulling, and clearing areas in preparation for future pipe installation. On the East River Interceptor, pipe abandonment work, which involves digging and excavation, has been rescheduled. Expect road closures and impacts to local traffic. To stay updated, sign-up for road closures notifications on the City of Green Bay Public Works website and follow the Public Works Facebook page. Residents and businesses may also notice increased activity along Adams Street, between Stuart Street and Main Street, where crews are cleaning the interceptor sewer pipe in preparation for sliplining. This phase of work has been especially challenging due to an over 200-foot build-up of “unflushables,” particularly rags, wipes, trash, and other items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, inside the interceptor. As a reminder: Don’t treat your toilet like a trash can; only flush the 3Ps: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper. Learn more about how you can #LoveYourPipes

  • 8/8/2025 Update: Construction continues on the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project. This work includes pipe staging, fusing, cutting, and pulling, as well as clearing areas in preparation for future pipe installation. On the East River Interceptor, pipe abandonment work, which involves digging and excavation, may begin as early as next week. Additional work may include televising and pumping. Expect road closures and impacts to local traffic. To stay updated, sign-up for road closures notifications on the City of Green Bay Public Works website and follow the Public Works Facebook page. Residents and businesses may also notice activity along Adams Street, between Stuart Street and Main Street, as crews continue cleaning the interceptor sewer pipe in preparation for sliplining.

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    7/25/2025 Update: Construction has begun on the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project. Crews are working to install a temporary bypass system with large black pipes —a setup that reroutes wastewater flow around the construction zone to maintain reliable service to your neighborhood. This work includes pipe staging, fusing, cutting, and pulling, as well as clearing areas in preparation for future pipe installation. Expect road closures and impacts to local traffic, with the most significant impact on N. Baird St. between Cherry St. to Main St., which is expected to begin the week on July 28, 2025. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained. All closures, detours, and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change. Motorists should anticipate traffic impacts, are urged to use caution while driving through the work zone, and encouraged to find alternate routes. Residents and businesses may also notice activity along Adams Street between Main Street and Mason Street. Crews are cleaning the interceptor sewer pipe in preparation for sliplining.

  • 6/27/2025 Update: As work on the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project continues, you may notice large temporary conveyance pipes being delivered and placed throughout the project area. Contractors will remain active in the area as preparations move forward. Construction is expected to begin shortly.

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    6/20/2025 Update: In the upcoming weeks, you may see workers in safety vests doing camera work in the area outlined in red on the enclosed map. This is for documentation of the existing conditions of the construction area for our sanitary sewer construction project.

  • 6/13/2025 Update: In the upcoming weeks, you may see workers in safety vests doing camera work in the area outlined in red on the enclosed map. This is for documentation of the existing conditions of the construction area for our sanitary sewer construction project.

Click on the images to enlarge.

About the Project

The Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project is happening to ensure continuous sanitary sewer service to your neighborhood. In downtown Green Bay, portions of this sewer system have been in operation since the 1930s, and are in need of improvements in order to continue to function. To learn more about this project, visit: www.newwater.us/downtown