I64/Grinstead Basin Project
MSD’s Waterway Protection Tunnel to replace planned basin at I-64 and Grinstead
MSD’s project to build a massive tunnel 18 stories underground to help keep millions of gallons of sewage out of the Ohio River and Beargrass Creek will be expanded to capture even more wastewater and stormwater overflow – and eliminate the need for a planned storage basin project.
The Waterway Protection Tunnel was initially planned to be 2.5 miles long, beginning at 12th and Rowan streets just west of downtown, and stretching east to East Main Street near the Home of the Innocents. On July 23, 2018, the MSD Board of Directors approved a change order to the project, which will extend the tunnel to about four miles total, continuing the route southeast to near Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive. The total storage capacity of the underground tunnel will increase from 37 million gallons to 55 million gallons.
The extension of the tunnel will replace the planned storage basin project near Lexington Road and Interstate 64. Additionally, when the underground tunnel project is complete, the above-ground site at that location will gain a new public green space to serve as a trailhead for the Beargrass Creek Trail, complete with parking, paths, trails, a rain garden and a wetland preservation area. For more information go to Waterway Protection Tunnel or http://louisvillemsd.org/tunnel
Basins are a key part of achieving safe, clean waterways
Rainwater can enter the sewer system during rain events and cause a mixture of sewage and rainwater to flow untreated into our waterways. Proposed and existing storage basins—throughout our city—are designed to retain the mixture of rainwater and sewage until the rain subsides, and then gradually release it back into the sewer system for treatment.
Interstate 64/Grinstead Drive Storage Basin
Construction on the Interstate 64 and Grinstead Drive Storage Basin began in August 2017. The footprint of this basin is visible and digging continues. When completed, the basin will be underground and out of site. A small above-ground building will include pumps and equipment for operation. This basin will offer Beargrass Creek and area residents protection from combined sewer overflows.
July 25, 2017 Pardon Our Dust Meeting
MSD will hold a Pardon Our Dust Meeting concerning the I-64 & Grinstead CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Basin. This meeting will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the construction process and timeline. MSD Project Manager Brandon Flaherty and the Construction Team will be on hand to answer your questions.
This underground basin will provide sewer overflow protection to the public and Beargrass Creek.
To view the overview presentation from the meeting, click the link below.
Announcement Postcard:
November 15, 2016 Advanced Design Meeting
MSD held an Advanced Design Meeting concerning the I64 & Grinstead CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Basin—a covered-underground basin.
This meeting provided information about the advanced design phase of the basin, and offered an opportunity for input and comments.
This basin project will greatly lessen the occurrence of combined sewer overflows—untreated sewage—entering Beargrass Creek during rain events.
To view the FULL video of the November 15 meeting, click the link below.
March 10, 2016 Conceptual Design Meeting
MSD held a Conceptual Design Meeting concerning the I64 & Grinstead CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Basin—a covered-underground basin.
This meeting provided you with information about the conceptual design phase of the basin, and offered you an opportunity for input and comments.
This basin project will greatly lessen the occurrence of combined sewer overflows—untreated sewage—entering Beargrass Creek during rain events.
To view the FULL video of the March 10 meeting, click the link below.
September 16, 2014 Public Input Meeting
MSD conducted a sewer overflow abatement project review and input meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at Louisville Collegiate School. Staff was available to speak about specific projects and programs. Presentations were given on the Integrated Overflow Abatement Program (IOAP) progress to date and the plans for the I64 & Grinstead Storage Basin project.
The FULL video of the September 16 meeting can be viewed from the following link.
Past Meeting Materials
Visit our library and select the IOAP folder to download past meeting information and materials.
Contact MSD