Manitou Way Storm Box Replacement Phase 2
October 6, 2026 Update
The contractor, Capital Underground Inc, will begin mobilizing to start work Friday October 9th or Monday October 12th. Initial work will include mobilizing equipment, traffic control, and erosion control. The contractor will begin removing the existing storm sewer box culvert and establishing a base for installation of the new storm box culvert. A crane will be delivered to the site on Wednesday October 21st which will require a full closure of Manitou Way. The contractor will install the new box culvert on Thursday October 22nd and attempt to retract the crane to remove the road closure at the end of the workday.
Reconstruction of the UW Arboretum wall will be scheduled after the area has been restored.
View past project updates »Project Details
Project Information
Project Overview
The Manitou Way Storm Box Culvert Replacement project is the second phase of the storm box installation. Work will extend from the Arboretum pond to the eastern terrace of Manitou Way where the remaining section of 4x6 box culvert will be replaced with 6x14 box culvert. The contractor will use the area west of Manitou Way to storm materials and equipment.
Work will begin with careful removal and storage for sections of the Arboretum stone wall. This material will be stored and protected until replacement after the storm box is installed and the project area is restored.
Project Limits
The project disturbance limits will be from the west edge of the Arboretum pond to the back of curb along Manitou Way. The area west of Manitou Way will be used for storage and equipment. All areas will be restored by the Contractor following the completion of utility work.
Project Schedule
There are three phases of work under this project contract. The first phase will include removal and storage of the existing stone wall. Work may begin no earlier than July 20, 2026. The second phase will include removal and installation of the new storm box with restoration. The second phase is anticipated to be completed by August 31, 2026. The third phase includes replacement of the stone wall. This work requires sequential days with ambient temperatures suitable to allow mortar to effectively set. The contract allows for completion before September 30, 2026.
Public Involvement
The work to replace the storm box was presented with the initial 2025 Nakoma Rd/Manitou Way sewer and street resurfacing project.
City Process, Meetings
Common Council: 2/10/2026, 4/21/2026
Board of Public Works: 1/28/2026, 4/8/2026
Project Updates
October 6, 2026 Update
The contractor, Capital Underground Inc, will begin mobilizing to start work Friday October 9th or Monday October 12th. Initial work will include mobilizing equipment, traffic control, and erosion control. The contractor will begin removing the existing storm sewer box culvert and establishing a base for installation of the new storm box culvert. A crane will be delivered to the site on Wednesday October 21st which will require a full closure of Manitou Way. The contractor will install the new box culvert on Thursday October 22nd and attempt to retract the crane to remove the road closure at the end of the workday.
Reconstruction of the UW Arboretum wall will be scheduled after the area has been restored.
September 18, 2026 Update
A section of the UW Arboretum wall has been inventoried, removed, and will be carefully stored offsite in advance of storm sewer work. The project contractor plans to schedule the installation of the storm sewer box to be completed in one day. They will start work to excavate and remove sections of existing box a few days before the installation day. A crane will be placed in Manitou Way to remove and place sections of box directly from delivery trucks into place. The dates of the sewer installation has not been determined but it is anticipated to start between September 21st and 30th.
July 10, 2026 Update
The project has been awarded to Capital Underground Inc. The anticipated starting timeframe is late July to mid-August. Neighbors will be notified 7-days before the start of work.