London Road Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation

In 2025, Resource Renew, the brand of WLSSD, will begin a major project to rehabilitate the sanitary sewer line along London Road, spanning from 40th Avenue East to 26th Avenue East. Below is more information about the project.

Update: Intermittent Summer Lakewalk Detour

Users of the Lakewalk trail should expect heavy equipment, flaggers, and construction workers at various times in this region of the trail for the summer. Detours will be posted and should be observed, both for the safety of the construction workers and for the safety of trail users.

Updates June 5, 2025:

The project is now anticipated to begin the week of June 23rd with the construction of the bypass pipe. This will be installed on the north-west side of London Road.

Estimated schedule:

Initial Setup (Week of June 23rd)

• Temporary traffic control will be installed for public and worker safety.

• Erosion control measures will be put in place.

Bypass System Installation (June 23rd – early July)

• A temporary bypass system will be installed to allow safe sewer access during repairs.

Sewer Inspection & Cleaning (Mid-July)

• Crews will inspect and clean large diameter sewer pipes and a tunnel section before rehabilitation.

Sewer Lining Installation (Mid-July – August )

• A trenchless method called CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) lining will be used to rehabilitate 30” and 36” sewer pipes. This reduces the need for extensive digging.

Manhole replacement (Mid-July)

• One manhole near 40th Ave will be completely replaced. This will impact a section of sidewalk between Zvago and Ecumen and involve a pedestrian detour.

Manhole & Tunnel Lining (Mid-August – September)

• Manholes and a tunnel section will receive a geopolymer lining to strengthen structures and reduce future infiltration issues.

Bypass Removal & Site Restoration (September – early October)

• The bypass system will be removed.

• Landscaping and site restoration will return the area to its original condition.

Updates April 4, 2025:

The contractor anticipates starting in May with the construction of the temporary conveyance piping (aka bypass pipe).

New plans involve installing this bypass pipe along the north west side of London Road, approximately 5-10 feet away off the road. The pipe will be trenched into driveways and road crossings (32nd Ave and 36th Ave) along this route to allow vehicles to access the driveways and roads safely. The original plan involved installing this pipe on the south east side of London Road.

Original post:

In 2025, Resource Renew, the brand of WLSSD, will begin a major project to rehabilitate the sanitary sewer line along London Road, spanning from 40th Avenue East to 26th Avenue East.

Our community operates two distinct sewer systems: the sanitary sewer and the storm sewer. The sanitary sewer transports wastewater from homes and businesses to WLSSD, where it is treated and safely released into the St. Louis River. In contrast, the storm sewer collects rainwater and runoff, directing it into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. While these systems are designed to remain separate, clean stormwater occasionally infiltrates the sanitary sewer system.

Over time, aging sewer pipes can become damaged due to shifting soil, tree root intrusion, or corrosion. These issues allow excess water to seep into the pipes, which can overwhelm both the sewer system and the wastewater treatment plant. Replacing these underground pipes can be challenging because they’re often buried beneath roads and yards. That’s where Cured-in-Place Piping (CIPP) comes in. This innovative method allows damaged pipes to be rehabilitated without the need for excavation, making it a faster, cleaner solution than traditional pipe replacement.

What Is CIPP?

CIPP is a trenchless method of repairing sewer pipes from the inside. Instead of replacing the pipe entirely, this process involves creating a new pipe within the existing one.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Inspection and Cleaning: Crews use cameras to inspect the old pipe and clean out any debris.
2. Insertion of the Liner: A flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the pipe via manholes.
3. Curing: Heat, steam, or ultraviolet (UV) light is applied to cure the resin, creating a hard, durable pipe inside the existing one.

This “pipe within a pipe” approach reinforces the sewer line, restores its function, and extends its lifespan by several decades.

What does the CIPP installation look like?

What to Expect During CIPP Work

Although CIPP minimizes disruption, there are still some noticeable impacts:

• Construction Activity

–  Trucks and equipment will be stationed near manholes or along the street.

–  Workers will be active in these areas during the day.

• Bypass Pipe

–  Wastewater from homes and businesses will be diverted through an above-ground bypass pipe running along the sidewalk.

–  This bypass will temporarily cross driveways in the project area. Ramps will be installed to allow vehicles to access driveways safely.

• Traffic and Parking Changes

–  Temporary lane closures and parking restrictions may occur. Signs will indicate alternative parking options.

• Odors

–  During the curing process, you may notice a plastic or glue-like smell. This comes from a material called styrene in the resin.

–  While the odor isn’t harmful in small amounts, closing your windows and doors can help keep it out.

• Noise

–  Equipment like generators, air compressors, and water pumps may generate noise. Crews will attempt to minimize disturbances, especially if nighttime work is required.

• Temporary Sewer Restrictions

–  Some homes may need to limit sewer use briefly during the work. If this applies to your property, you’ll be notified in advance. Most homes will not be directly impacted.

Project Timeline

The rehabilitation project will begin in spring 2025 and is expected to conclude by fall 2025. While a bypass pipe will remain in place for most of the project, the actual CIPP installation typically takes just one or two days per section of pipe. The set-up, inspection, and clean up will take a significant amount of time. Once the work is completed, crews will restore any affected landscaping or infrastructure.

Why Is This Project Important?

CIPP is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to maintain the integrity of our sewer system. By rehabilitating pipes without excavation, this method avoids major disruptions, preserves neighborhoods, and ensures our sewer system functions reliably for decades to come.