Indy, Citizens to Update Big Dig Tunnel
The tunneling equipment is 18 feet in diameter.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of Indianapolis and Citizens Energy Group are set Thursday for an announcement involving the $1.9 billion DigIndy Tunnel System project. Mayor Joe Hogsett and Citizens Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harrison will detail what officials call a new plan for the completion of for the largest public works project in the history of the city.
When the multi-stage effort was announced, officials scheduled it to be complete in 2025. The full scope of the work involves nearly 30 miles of underground tunnels and other infrastructure work designed to serve as an underground storage and transport system for sewage. The wastewater in question currently flows into local waterways.
The 18-foot-diameter, 28-mile-long network’s lifespan is expected to be more than 100 years. It is being constructed 250 feet below the surface of the city, running from near the Indiana State Fairgrounds to the south side. Citizens says it extends along Fall Creek, the White River, Pogues Run, Pleasant Run and Bean Creek.
Other cities including Fort Wayne and Evansville are undertaking similar projects to meet federal environmental standards for raw sewage overflows.