Elkhart breaks ground on major infrastructure project as part of Aspire plan

ELKHART, Ind. -- Work is underway for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the city’s history.

The City with a Heart held another groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon, connected to what they’re calling the Aspire plan.

This time for a sewer and water deportation project.

Mayor Roberson and other city officials broke ground Monday on the CSO 39 Sewer Separation Project which aims to bring cleaner water and streets to the community.

The $5.5 million dollar city funded project will bring needed improvements to streets and sidewalks above ground while below they’re building infrastructure what will separate storms and sewer mains.

This is mandated by the federal government.

They will replace 15 lead service lines, and include the largest storm pipe installed in more than 50 years.

The engineer on the project, Paul Wunderlich, said work like this can often go unnoticed, but is needed to avoid water main breaks in the future.  

“I think the biggest reason to look forward to this project. In terms of aesthetics we’ll have 

 new streets and sidewalks, but under those streets and sidewalks is new utilities, and with that comes the peace of mind and being able to relax and trust your infrastructure,” said Wunderlich.

The work on this part of the plan is expected to be complete by November, and is just one piece of other projects to come.