In the news: Green Bay Press Gazette covers NEW Water's Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project

$29 million sewer project underway, will affect east-side Green Bay roads, trails, sidewalks

By: Jesse Lin

Construction is underway on a $29 million sewer project stretching from downtown Green Bay into Allouez, according to a June 30 news release from NEW Water.

Called the Downtown Interceptors Renewal Project, the plan will be coordinated by the water authority, Green Bay, and two contractors to restore over 13,000 feet of sewage interceptor pipes and to formally abandon 7,300 feet of pipes along the East River, according to NEW Water.

NEW Water is the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District.

The Depression-era pipes designed to last about 75 years collect sewage from smaller sewer pipes and move the wastewater to the treatment facility, according to the water authority. They have reached the end of their useful life and have deteriorated, reducing sewage inflow and making the improvements a matter of public health, the water authority said.

"Our underground wastewater infrastructure may be hidden from view, but it’s the backbone of vital services we depend on every day," said executive director of NEW Water Nathan Qualls in the news release. "By renewing these aging pipes, we’re not just maintaining our systems — we’re investing in public health, supporting business operations, and serving those who live, work, and play in our community."

NEW Water expects roads, sidewalks, trails, driveways, parks, and some private property to be impacted along the project site.

Here's what we know about the project and and its expected disruptions to daily life.

Where is the project?

The project snakes along the Fox River in downtown Green Bay, goes along the East River through Joannes Park, and ends just over the Allouez border.

There are three sections to this project associated with three interceptor pipes:

• The East Fox River Interceptor under Adams Street, running from East Mason Street to Main Street. It's about 2,055 feet of 60-inch diameter, concrete pipe. The contractor for this section is Engineering & Construction Innovations.

• The Fox River Crossing Interceptor under Main Street, running from North Washington Street to North Quincy Street. It's about 4,200 feet of horseshoe-shaped pipe. The contractor for this section is Engineering & Construction Innovations.

• The East River Interceptor between North Quincy Street and North Baird Street, as well as a second segment from the East River to just over the border in Allouez. It's about 7,000 feet of circular pipe. Additionally, a 7,300-foot section of the interceptor that had been taken out of service in the 1970s will be formally abandoned, according to the water authority. The contractor for this section is Michels Trenchless, Inc.

How will the work impact residents?

Depending on the section of pipe, NEW Water anticipates varying impacts to residents:

• Traffic control measures will occur along all three project sections.

• There will be disruptions to parks and trails, as well as some driveways and sidewalks, along the East River Interceptor.

• Sidewalks and trails will close along Main Street, and detours are expected along the major thruway that sees 16,600 cars drive on it daily.

• Along Adams Street, some traffic control measures will be in place along that road that sees 1,800 drivers on it every day.

• Road closure notices will be publicized in coordination with the city.

When will work start?

Work is "expected to begin shortly," according to New Water's website from June 27.

Preparation have already been underway since at least the week of June 13 when workers began surveying the existing conditions of the construction area along the East River. Workers have dropped off large black pipes throughout the project area, according to NEW Water.

The utility said construction on the East River Interceptor will begin first, slated for June; work downtown is expected to start in October.

When will the project be finished?

October 2026, according to NEW Water.

Will residents be assessed for project costs?

Property owners will not be charged for this project, according to NEW Water.

The funding for this project comes entirely out of the wholesale rates charged to the 15 municipalities that NEW Water serves.

Learn more about the project here: www.newwater.us/downtown