New 4,000-foot tunnel to boost Detroit sewer capacity, prevent flooding
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has begun construction on a major stormwater tunnel in southwest Detroit aimed at reducing basement sewage backups and improving resiliency during heavy rain events.
The project will divert excess stormwater from an overloaded sewer interceptor along the Rouge River to an existing retention and treatment basin, Detroit Public Radio (WDET) reported. By redirecting flows to under-utilized treatment capacity, officials say the upgrade will improve water quality and reduce flooding risks for nearby neighborhoods.
GLWA Chief Operating Officer Navid Mehram noted the complexity of the project, and the importance of investing in the existing system by rerouting flows to leverage an existing facility.
According to WDET, the tunnel will measure roughly 4,000 feet in length and several feet in diameter. Construction is underway and expected to be completed by 2028.
Mehram emphasized that the project will also provide operational redundancy for the Water Resource Recovery Facility, offering a critical backup during extreme weather. Funding for the $87 million effort will come from government grants and sewer rate revenues, though GLWA stated the project will not result in customer bill increases.
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