Portion of 15th Street closed for emergency sewer line repair

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March 4, 2022

While a section of 15th Street north of Broadway must remain closed to traffic for the emergency repair of a sewer line running beneath the pavement, MSD can keep limited access available for 15th Street south of Broadway between Maple and West Breckinridge streets. However, motorists must use extra caution and observe the new temporary traffic lights that only allow for one lane of traffic at a time.

MSD crews completed a proactive inspection of the entire sewer line running under 15th Street between West Chestnut Street to West Breckinridge Street. The inspection revealed additional deteriorated areas in the brick sewer pipe leading to closing sections of the roadway south of Broadway. The agency previously closed the section of 15th Street north between Broadway and Magazine Street due to a street cave-in. Detour signs will direct motorists in the area. There is no closure of the sidewalks.

Plans are underway for the emergency repair of this egg-shaped—36-inch by 54-inch—brick sewer built by hand in 1880 and has served our community for 142 years.

There will be no disruption of sewer service during the repair. There is no estimate of how long the repair will take at this time.

Background

MSD maintains more than 3,300 miles of sewer lines – enough to stretch from California to Maine, and many dating back 75 years or more.