Texas city finishes major sewer overhaul after nearly 20 years

The city of Temple, Texas, has successfully completed the Bird Creek Trunk Sewer Project after nearly 20 years of work. This significant five-phase initiative focused on replacing the aging Bird Creek Interceptor, a main sewer line stretching from north of Adams Avenue to south of Lions Park. The new system enhances wastewater collection capacity, resolving previous sanitary overflow issues and opening up new development areas. 

City spokesperson Emelie S. Palma told the Temple Daily Telegram that the original planning began in 2006, with work divided into manageable phases to lessen disruptions to residents. Construction commenced in December 2010 and concluded in late April 2025, costing over $26.8 million. The project replaced a crucial 5.3-mile pipeline built over 60 years ago with larger 36-inch and 30-inch sewer lines.

The complex final phase required tunneling and major rebuilding efforts. D. Guerra Construction, LLC, managed the construction, while Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. oversaw the engineering aspects. Despite nearly three years of impacts from construction, the city designed the improvements for long-lasting durability.

Palma emphasized that with proper maintenance, the new interceptor system is expected to reliably serve residents for 50 years or more. This project is part of Temple's broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and prepare for future growth, with additional sanitary sewer initiatives already underway. 

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