Overview

The multi-phase Locust/Colton CSO project involves construction of new sanitary sewers, conversion of the existing combined sewer into a storm sewer, and laying new water main. The sewer portion of the project, with nine phases, is projected to cost nearly $22 million and last through most of the decade. Click here to view a map.

 
A combined sewer overflow (CSO) can occur when storm water run-off combines with the sanitary flow, usually during a heavy rain event, and discharges to an open body of water such as a creek or stream (left image above). This project continues the work of installing new sewer lines to separate the sanitary flow from the storm flow so that all sanitary flow is treated at the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District (BNWRD) Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) prior to being discharged to Sugar Creek (right image above). In addition, older water main will be replaced within the project limits while the area is under construction. Click here to view the Sanitary Sewer page to learn more about Combined Sewers and Combined Sewer Overflow.

Phases One, Two, Three, Six, and Seven

Phases One, Six, and Seven were completed in 2013. Click here to view the location map for Phases One, Six, and Seven.

Phase Two was completed in 2022. Click here to view the location map for Phase Two.

Phase Three was completed in 2023. Click here to view the location map for Phase Three.

Phases Four and Five

Description

Phases Four and Five include installing 7,000 feet of new, separate sanitary and storm sewer; installing 20 to 30 new service laterals connecting homes to the new sanitary sewer; and replacing 4,600 feet of aged water main along Moore Street, E. Jackson Street, Mercer Avenue, E. Taylor Street, and Patterson Drive. In addition to the storm and sanitary flow separation, resurfacing and intermittent curb, gutter, and sidewalk repairs will occur in areas where utility trenches disturb existing infrastructure. Click here for an overview map of the Phases Four and Five project limits.

Funding

The City’s original estimate for the project was $7 million for construction. The bid opening for Phase Four and Five was completed on May 18, 2023, and the bid was $10.8 million. The estimated project amount of $10.8 million will be funded using a combination of American Rescue Plan Act funds and City sanitary sewer, storm water, and water enterprise funds, which are funded by monthly user fees as well as a transfer of general funds.

Schedule

Stark Excavating, Inc., is expected to begin work on these phases of the project in July 2023. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025. While the project is under construction, street closures will occur as necessary. This will also cause driveway closure at various stages. Notice will be given to residents ahead of time regarding street and driveway closure. During street and driveway closures, alternate location street parking will occur. However, smooth paths and sidewalks will be maintained to provide access from street parking to residents’ homes.

During construction on the water main and water services, there will be a disruption of water services when the new water main is connected to the existing water service. Notice will be given to residents ahead of time, and the disruption will not exceed four hours. Once water service is restored, please follow the flushing instructions that are also required after a boil order. Click here to download a PDF of the flushing instructions.

A typical workday is expected to be from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During that time, there will be a standard increase in noise associated with typical construction work. In addition, disturbances such as excavation outside of the right-of-way will be kept to a minimum. All disturbed areas, both in the right-of-way and outside of it, will be restored.

If you would like to be included on update emails that will be sent out when there are major updates, or at least every other week, please email Dominic Kallas at: DKallas@cityblm.org to be included on the email update list.

Phase Eight

Design for Phase Eight began in July 2023. Additional information will be added as the phases progress.

Phase Nine

Design for Phase Nine has not begun at this time. Additional information will be added as the phases progress.