Water Pipeline Rehabilitation Project - University Avenue

This project was funded by the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Project Description

University Avenue is scheduled for reconstruction from Shorewood Boulevard/Hill St to University Bay Drive/Farley Ave. The City of Madison is jointly participating with the Village of Shorewood Hills on the design and construction, under the lead of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). The project includes reconstruction of pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk as necessary, street lighting, traffic signals, water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.  Alternatives to improve pedestrian & bicycle connectivity, bus rapid transit initiatives and stormwater drainage have been reviewed, and the project plans have been updated to include a new pedestrian & bike overpass of University Bay Dr., a widened sidewalk along the southerly side of University Ave., and a 96-inch storm sewer pipe to help improve drainage in the area. 

More detailed project specific information can be found here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/projects/university-avenue   …;

This project is led by WisDOT. The link to their website with more project specific information can be found here under project #20220308009: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/contractors/hcci/bid-let/2022/20220308.aspx         

Concurrently with the City project mentioned above, the Madison Water Utility (MWU) is completing a water pipeline replacement project on University Avenue. Combining these two projects result in cost savings and reduced public disruption.   This project was completed August 2023 at an estimated bid cost of $1,250,000.

Water Supply and Water Quality Benefits

The existing pipe in the area is from the 1930’s and is a sand cast iron pipe which has had several breaks over its lifetime. Replacing the existing pipe with new ductile iron pipe will minimize future breaks in the area and improve the water quality. This project will be upgrading the size of the main from ten inches to sixteen inches. This will not only immediately impact the flow observed by households in the area, but it will also increase flow to the hydrants located in surrounding streets and improve the pumping efficiency of the entire pressure zone. Thanks also to the funding by the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).