Join us out in the community
The project team invites you to join us at the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour to learn more about the project.
Sunday, September 13
10:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Como Lakeside Pavilion
Project Description
Met Council, operator of the metro area wastewater collection and treatment system, is setting up a temporary wastewater conveyance system to facilitate replacement of deteriorating sanitary sewer pipes under the Mississippi River parallel to the I-35E bridge.
System set up will start in fall 2026. The system will remain in place approximately 3 to 5 years while a new sanitary sewer pipe river crossing is designed and built. There will be temporary trail closures during set up. No wastewater service disruptions are anticipated.
Temporary conveyance examples
Project Map
Project Need
- Existing Met Council regional sanitary sewer pipes under the Mississippi River are failing and in need of replacement.
- A temporary wastewater conveyance system is needed to provide service should the existing pipelines completely fail.
- There is a temporary conveyance system that will be installed in case of complete failure of the Siphons (3-barrels). This system will remain in place until a design can be executed to replace the 3 barrels. This design could take 3-5 years.
What to expect:
The Met Council is committed to being a good neighbor. While we do our best to minimize impacts during construction, some temporary inconveniences may occur as the work takes place. Here is what you can expect:
- Construction traffic
- Lights, noise, vibration, and dust consistent with construction activity
- Temporary odors related to sewer work
- Temporary road and sidewalk detours and/or closures. We will plan appropriate detours and partner with the City of Lilydale, City of Saint Paul, City of Mendota Heights, and MnDOT, to minimize community impacts.
The bike trail on I-35E will be closed and detoured starting September 14 through 2026 (weather and schedule-dependent) during temporary wastewater conveyance system installation. The trail will open after the pipe is installed.
Project Timeline
- Design: March through August 2026
- Construction: September through December 2026