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Locust/Colton CSO Elimination & Water Main Replacement

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Updated: 04/20/2026

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.

Combined Sewer Overflow System

Separated Sewer System

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.

Phase 8

Description

Phase 8 includes building new sanitary sewer and storm sewer to separate the storm and sanitary flows and installing new water main to replace the old mains, which are reaching the end of their useful life. The pavement above utility trenches will have variable width resurfacing. Intermittent curb and gutter repair and intermittent sidewalk repair will be constructed in areas where the utility trenches disturb existing sidewalk and curb and gutter. The proposed improvements are located on Mercer Avenue, Dunbar Drive, Peirce Avenue, Parmon Road, and Skyline Court in the City of Bloomington, Illinois. To view the project limits, click here to download the location map or click here to go to the Infrastructure Projects Dashboard.

Funding

The City’s original estimate for the project was $8.75 million for construction. The bid opening for Phase Eight was completed on March 27, 2026, and the bid was $7.9 million. The project amount will be funded using a combination of EPA Community Change Grant 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 May of 2026. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of November 2027. 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 Jonathan Kothe at: JKothe@cityblm.org to be included on the email update list.