Gateway Boulevard Sanitary Sewer Interceptor
Municipal Infrastructure Engineering in Waco, Texas
Project Location:
Bagby Avenue & Gateway Boulevard
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Project Overview:
Merritt Engineering Services designed and provided construction administration for a critical 4,300-linear-foot, 30-inch sanitary sewer interceptor main serving the City of Waco's rapidly expanding industrial corridor. This municipal infrastructure project was essential to support major economic development, including the Graphic Packaging International facility and other commercial growth in the Gateway Boulevard area of Waco, Texas.
As one of three coordinated phases totaling over 10,000 linear feet of new sanitary sewer infrastructure, this interceptor main represents a significant investment in Central Texas municipal utility capacity. Our civil engineering team collaborated with Walker Partners and CP&Y Engineering to deliver a comprehensive solution for Waco's growing sanitary sewer demands.
Project Specifications:
Project Type
Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Main
Location
Bagby Ave to I-35, Waco, TX 76712
Length
4,300 Linear Feet
Pipe Size
30-inch Diameter
Material
Hobas Reinforced Fiberglass Pipe (RFP)
Installation Method
Open-cut and Directional Boring
Client
Private Developer & City of Waco Water Utility Services
Project Phase
Phase 2 of 3-phase system expansion
Total System Length
10,000+ Linear Feet (all phases)
Completion Date
2024
Engineering Services Provided:
sanitary Sewer Design & Hydraulic Analysis
Our civil engineering team performed comprehensive hydraulic modeling to determine proper pipe sizing, slope requirements, and flow capacity for current and future development scenarios in the Gateway Boulevard corridor. The 30-inch Hobas fiberglass pipe was selected for its durability, corrosion resistance, and long service life in Central Texas soil conditions.
TxDOT Utility Coordination
A critical component of this Waco infrastructure project involved extensive coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for utility crossings and right-of-way access near Bagby Avenue. Our team managed:
TxDOT permit applications and approvals
Highway utility accommodation requirements
Traffic control and safety planning
Construction sequencing to minimize roadway impacts
Boring Design & Trenchless Technology
The project required sophisticated boring design to install the sewer interceptor beneath existing roadways, utilities, and environmentally sensitive areas. Our engineering services included:
Geotechnical investigation coordination
Bore path alignment and profile design
Drilling fluid management planning
Damage prevention protocols
Lift Station Design
Our team designed pump station facilities to maintain proper flow characteristics and system capacity throughout the interceptor alignment, accounting for terrain variations and connection to existing Waco sanitary sewer infrastructure.
High-Pressure Utility Coordination
Critical coordination with Atmos Energy ensured safe construction practices near existing high-pressure natural gas mains. Our damage prevention planning included:
Utility locate verification
Clearance documentation
Construction sequencing protocols
Emergency response procedures
Project Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Bagby Ave. Crossing
Solution: Designed bore beneath Bagby Ave. to avoid traffic disruption and meet TxDOT requirements for critical infrastructure crossings.
Challenge: Existing Utility Conflicts
Solution: Comprehensive utility coordination including field verification, 3D modeling in Civil 3D, and construction phasing to maintain service to existing developments.
Challenge: High-Pressure Gas Main Proximity
Solution: Developed detailed damage prevention plan with Atmos Energy, including enhanced clearances, continuous monitoring, and specialized construction methods.
Challenge: Rapid Development Timeline
Solution: Expedited design review process and phased construction approach to support economic development timeline while maintaining engineering standards.
Project Benefits for Waco, Texas
✓ Increased Capacity: Supports industrial and commercial growth in the Gateway Boulevard corridor
✓ Economic Development: Enabled Graphic Packaging facility and future development
✓ System Reliability: Modern fiberglass pipe with 100+ year design life
✓ Reduced Maintenance: Corrosion-resistant materials minimize long-term costs
✓ Environmental Protection: Improved sanitary sewer capacity prevents overflows
✓ Infrastructure Investment: Part of comprehensive multi-million system improvement program
Project Reference:
Michael Norman
Utility Operations Manager
City of Waco
Water Utility Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sanitary sewer interceptor?
A sanitary sewer interceptor is a large-diameter sewer main that collects wastewater from multiple tributary sewers and conveys it to a treatment facility or larger trunk line. The Gateway Boulevard interceptor serves as critical infrastructure for industrial and commercial development in Waco, Texas.
Why was Hobas fiberglass pipe selected for this project?
Hobas Reinforced Fiberglass Pipe (RFP) was chosen for its exceptional corrosion resistance, structural strength, and long service life in Central Texas soil conditions. Unlike concrete or metal pipes, fiberglass will not corrode from hydrogen sulfide gas or acidic conditions common in sanitary sewers.
What does TxDOT coordination involve for utility projects?
TxDOT coordination for utility projects near state highways requires permit applications, engineering drawings showing proposed utility locations, traffic control plans, and compliance with TxDOT's Utility Accommodation Rules. Our team manages this entire process for municipal and private clients in Central Texas.
How long does a sanitary sewer interceptor design project take?
Timeline varies based on project complexity, but typical sanitary sewer interceptor projects require 3-6 months for design and permitting, followed by 6-12 months for construction. Coordination with TxDOT, railroad companies, or other agencies may extend timelines.
Does Merritt Engineering provide construction administration for sewer projects?
Yes, we provide comprehensive construction administration services including site visits, contractor coordination, submittal review, RFI responses, and final inspection for all our municipal infrastructure projects in the Waco and Central Texas area.
What other municipalities does Merritt Engineering serve?
Our civil engineering firm serves municipalities throughout McLennan County and Texas, including Waco, Lorena, Gholson, Riesel, and surrounding communities. We specialize in water, wastewater, drainage, and transportation infrastructure projects.
Need Municipal Infrastructure Engineering in Central Texas?
Merritt Engineering Services provides comprehensive civil engineering services for sanitary sewer systems, water infrastructure, drainage studies, and municipal projects throughout Waco, McLennan County, and Central Texas.
Our expertise includes:
Sanitary sewer design and hydraulic modeling
Water and wastewater infrastructure
TxDOT utility coordination
Lift station and pump station design
Trenchless technology and boring design
Construction administration and inspection