Tunnel project reaches milestone

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The first phase of the Lafayette tunnel project is near completion. 

The tunnel machine reached an exit shaft near 200 Ferry Street Monday afternoon.  This nearly completes the mining of the 2,269 foot long tunnel, which starts at 2nd and Alabama Streets. 

Workers have been mining 35 feet underground for the past 11 months.

Water Pollution and Control Superintendent Brad Talley said this is all part of a long-term plan to prevent sewage from going into the river during heavy rains.

"This portion will actually eliminate nearly 30 percent of the annual overflow volumes. This is a huge step for storage," said Talley.

The tunnel, which still needs concrete walls, will be connected to the Pearl River lift station.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.