Civil Engineering Services Waco TX | Merritt Engineering

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

Contact Our Waco Civil Engineering Team

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse