Downtown Stormwater Improvements

Project Summary

St Joseph Creek is conveyed through downtown Downers Grove in a large diameter concrete pipe nearly a mile long. The storm sewer was installed in the 1960's. Maintenance is required to ensure the pipe will continue to convey the creek flow and stormwater runoff safely. In this multi-year project we will clean, repair, and line the pipe.

LATEST UPDATE

July 17, 2026

The pipe has been lined up to the structure near Curtiss and Belden. Lining operations continue to the west starting with the top portion of the pipe (inside). Cleaning, debris removal, and televising continues with the portion of pipe adjacent to the parking deck.

PAST UPDATES

June 26, 2026

Cleaning and televising the pipe continues, as well as repair and lining. The progress continues to be impacted by rainfall.

May 29, 2026

1. Cleaning and televising the second section of pipe continues. The repair and lining is moving to the next section of pipe. Progress continues to be impacted by rain.
2. The Washington entrance to the parking deck is expected to remain closed intermittently.

May 22, 2026

1. Cleaning and televising the second section of pipe continues. The repair and lining is moving to the next section of pipe.
2. The Washington entrance to the parking deck is expected to remain closed until Grove Fest.

May 8, 2026

1. Work continues to line the first section of the pipe. The large amount of rainfall this spring has made progress slower than anticipated.
2. Work also continues to clean and televise the second section of pipe. This work is expected to be complete within the next week. Repairs and lining of that section of pipe will follow.
3. The Washington entrance to the parking deck is expected to remain closed until Grove Fest.

May 1, 2026

1. Work started this week with cleaning and lining the first section of the pipe (by the Village Fleet building). The cleaning crew started cleaning and televising the second section of pipe (basically from the Civic Center to the Washington parking deck entrance).
2. The Washington entrance to the parking deck will be closed during they day while the pipe is being cleaned and televised.
3. The Washgington exit will remain open for right turn only.
4. The Mochel entrance to the parking deck remains open.

March 20, 2026

The second section of the pipe from Washington to approximately Main Street will be rehabilitated. The start date for the work has not been determined yet.

January 2, 2026

Contractor has completed this portion of the pipe. Contractor will remobilize in the spring to perform work again.

November 14, 2025

Geokrete liner is being applied to the inside surface of the pipe.

October 31, 2025

The contractor is pressure washing the pipe. Followed by prepping the pipe for a Geokrete liner.

October 17, 2025

The contractor has tentatively planned to re-mobilize starting the week of 10/27. Driveways are expected to remain open.

August 29, 2025

Cleaning of the pipe is ongoing. Crews will begin grouting to stabilize soils above the pipe.

August 15, 2025

Contractor will be cleaning and televising the 11' pipe. Expect little to no impact to traffic along Curtiss. Driveways are expected to remain accessible.

August 1, 2025

Contractor will be setting up equipment the week of 8/4.

July 25, 2025

Cleaning and inspections for the 11' pipe have been tentatively scheduled for the end of next week. Repairs and lining will follow once the cleaning is complete.

July 11, 2025

Cleaning and inspection for the 11' pipe is tentatively scheduled for the week of 7/14. Repairs and lining under Curtiss between Mackie Pl and Belden Ave is tentatively scheduled for the week of 7/21. Driveways are expected to be open.

June 13, 2025

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) will be condeucted above the 11' pipe for repairs. GPR will be conducted on the last week of June. Property owners that may be impacted will recieve a letter.

March 4, 2025

Project information will be shared as the project begins and progresses.