Desplaines Tunnel
Chicago, IL, United States

The Des Plaines Inflow Tunnel is part of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), which consists of various projects aimed at improving drainage conditions in the greater Chicago area and reducing the amount of flood damage and pollution into Lake Michigan.

Chicago and many of the older suburbs are served by combined sewers, in which both sanitary and storm flow are conveyed through the same pipes. During rain events, the sewer system and treatment plants cannot accommodate the additional flow, and combined sewage would overflow to the local waterways.

The approximately 20-foot diameter Des Plaines tunnel will connect directly to the McCook Reservoir and is built to allow stormwater to drain from the city, separating it from the old CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) system and directing it to the old rock quarry.

Contractor
Walsh Constructors II