Public Works & Utilities

Project Status:

Construction Phase

Project Overview:

Due to failure of a 45-year-old storm sewer pipe, a sink hole had developed in Occidental Blvd. After the inspection of storm sewer pipe, it was determined that the storm sewer piping needed to be replaced. The pipe ran down a steep slope discharging to Amity Creek. Amity Creek is a trout stream and is high value water resource. The stormwater runoff did not receive any treatment before being discharged to the creek.

The project will construct a fused HDPE pipe down the steep banks leading to Amity Creek. The fused storm sewer pipe will prevent the pipe from separating and leaking, which is common for storm sewer installed on steep slopes and can result in slope failure. The pipe will be anchored to prevent it from moving, ensuring the longevity of the storm sewer. A treatment manhole will be installed in Occidental Blvd in the storm sewer to collect sediment, trash, and other debris before runoff discharges to Amity Creek. The treatment manhole will be monitored and cleaned by City forces. 

Funding Source:

Funding for this project is being provided by the City Stormwater Utility Fund.

Construction Update:

Construction will begin sometime after late August and must be completed by October 31st, 2026. Some construction materials will arrive, and prep work may begin, before the start of the project. The project is estimated to take approximately 4-5 weeks to complete, with the road closure and detour in place for approximately 2 weeks. 

To facilitate the work Occidental Blvd will need to be closed and a detour will be in place. The detour will direct vehicles down Glenwood St, to Skyline Parkway, to Seven Bridge Road, with the total length of the detour being approximately 6 miles. A map of the detour is available in the construction plans at the link below. Any park restrictions resulting from the project will be posted 24 hours in advance. Any access impacts to individual residents will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please contact Nathan Bruno with the City of Duluth via email at nbruno@duluthmn.gov or Ryan Ostrofsky with MJ Companies at ryan@mjcompanies.us.