Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility
Centralville Sewer Separation Project
Project Overview
The Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility is launching the Centralville Sewer Separation Project. This major construction project will separate stormwater from sewer pipes in the Centralville neighborhood to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs), prevent localized street and basement flooding, and improve the water quality of the Merrimack River.
As with any large infrastructure project, the Centralville Sewer Separation work will bring some short-term disruption in exchange for long-term community benefits. Crews will be working across multiple streets in phases over several years.
The project team will provide regular updates on schedules, road closures, and service interruptions through this project website, social media, and email alerts. Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience while ensuring the safety of workers and the community.
What to Expect
- Typical Work Hours: Crews will generally be on site from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
- Street Access & Closures: Streets may be temporarily closed while work is performed. Detours will be clearly marked.
Emergency vehicle access will ALWAYS be maintained.
Construction materials and equipment will be delivered and removed on a daily basis.
At the end of each workday, trenches will be secured with steel plates so residents can safely access driveways and streets overnight and some equipment will be removed to minimize disruption.
Construction Impacts
Traffic & Road Closures
Some streets will be closed temporarily while pipes are replaced and new drainage is installed. Detours and signage will be provided, and access for residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained whenever possible.
Utility Interruptions
Limited water service outages may occur when water mains are upgraded. Affected households will receive advance notice with expected timelines.
Noise, Dust, and Equipment
Construction involves excavation and the use of heavy machinery, which will generate noise and vibrations during work hours. Dust control and safety measures will be in place throughout.
Parking and Access
On-street parking may be restricted in active work zones. Crews will work with residents to maintain driveway access whenever feasible.
Improvements/Benefits
- New storm drain construction.
- Rebuilding or replacing old sewer lines and manholes.
- Lining or installing new sewer services to all homes.
- Removing unwanted water entering the system (inflow and infiltration, or “I/I”).
- Replacing old water mains, hydrants, and valves.
- Newly paved roads, that include traffic calming measures.
- Better protection against local flooding.
- Reduction in the annual number of CSO events and the annual volume of overflows, resulting in improved Merrimack River water quality
Project News & Updates
Periodic updates will be shared via email, social media, and the project website. These updates will include construction schedules, traffic changes, service disruptions, and weather-related announcements.
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to email alerts and follow the City of Lowell on social media to stay informed.
Project Scope
The Centralville Sewer Separation Project focuses on upgrading sewer and stormwater infrastructure across approximately 490 acres in the Centralville neighborhood. This work will remove three major sources of inflow that contribute to CSO events: Humphrey’s Brook, Billings Street Wetlands, and Hovey Field Wetlands. The planned improvements are mandated under Lowell’s 2024 Consent Decree with MassDEP and the EPA.
As in many older urban areas, the Centraville area has an older combined sewer and drain system that conveys stormwater and wastewater in the same pipe. This project will separate those systems to reduce sewer overflows, protect water quality, and improve drainage across the neighborhood. As part of this work, the existing combined pipeline will be rehabilitated to serve as a dedicated sewer pipe and a new stormwater drainage system will be constructed. Additionally, water main improvements and other utility upgrades will be completed as part of the project, and impacted roads will receive new paving following the completion of pipeline construction.
Project Phasing and Timeline
Coordinating construction with MassDOT, National Grid, and other public and private utilities will help reduce overlapping work, maximize efficiency, and minimize disruptions for residents and businesses.
Construction will take place in three phases to reduce impacts and manage cost:
Construction of a new large diameter drainage conduit that will serve the Centralville area and a new drainage outfall located near Bunker Hill Ave.
Construction of drainage piping and a new drainage outfall located near Aiken Street.
Construction of drainage piping that will feed into the large drainage conduit construction as part Phase 1 work.
What is a "CSO"?
In many older communities, the same underground pipes carry both household wastewater and stormwater from rain or snow. These are called “combined sewers.” Most of the time, they work fine and send everything to a treatment plant.
During big storms, too much water enters the system all at once. When the pipes fill up, the extra flow is released straight into nearby rivers, streams, or other water bodies. This is called a Combined Sewer Overflow, or CSO.
CSOs are a major source of water pollution. They carry not only rainwater, but also sewage, trash, and other contaminants. Reducing CSOs helps protect water quality, public health, and the environment.
Send a Message to the Project Team
Modernizing Infrastructure for a Resilient Centralville.
Useful Links
More Resources
Contact
- 451 First Street Boulevard Lowell, MA 01850
- sewer@lowellma.gov
- (978) 674-4248