If you are like me you'll never want to go through a night like that again. The City of Madison Engineering staff responded to the crisis by conducting several critical studies to determine what the scope of the problem was and what efforts were needed to provide future relief. The broad outlines of that effort were presented to neighborhood residents on Tuesday, December 15 by city staff. Professionals from Engineering, Traffic, Parks, and Planning gave a broad overview of how the sewer reconstruction will be phased in and the hoped for construction schedule.
We learned the scope of the project has expanded with work now expected on both sides of East Washington Ave. In fact, the intent is to minimize sewer problems on both sides of the Isthmus with this project. The work is anticipated to take four to five months and if construction begins in April, 1999, the project could be completed in July-August, 1999. The actual timing of the work will depend on getting the needed local, state and federal approvals/permits as well as construction considerations. A fall, 1999 rather than spring, 1999 construction schedule is a possibility for several reasons, including potential disruption of boat traffic on the river. Sewer line work along Thornton Ave. will be occurring from East Johnson Street to East Main Street with a significant amount of work taking place in Burr Jones Park. The new pipe must be laid quite deep so the entire road bed of Thornton will be disturbed or used as work space by the contractors.
Residents and businesses should start planning alternate travel routes if you use Thornton Ave. Park users and dog owners who use the park will need to navigate around the construction areas. Expect more construction traffic, noise and dust. Some disruption of traffic on E. Washington may occur, but city staff want to keep disruptions on the Avenue to a minimum. The river frontage will not be idyllic during construction, but I think we can all agree that sewer backup is a priority problem that must be fixed. We all want city staff and the contractors to do an excellent job to resolve this issue.
Attending the meeting were Alders Barb Vedder and Judy Olson and about fifteen neighborhood residents and business people from TLNA and the Marquette area. The effects of the reconstruction on traffic patterns, alternate access routes, and the Yahara River Parkway were discussed. Residents encouraged city staff to minimize disruptions in the greenspace and protect the river. A lively discussion about road removal and implementation of the recently approved Yahara River plan also ensued. The Alders and the neighborhood associations will be offering suggestions to city staff on these important issues.
Stay tuned for more info about this vitally important project in future newsletters.