Amarillo’s largest ongoing sewer infrastructure project is nearing completion, and city officials say it remains both on schedule and within budget. The Northeast Sanitary Sewer Interceptor, a $71 million undertaking designed to expand capacity and improve efficiency in the city’s wastewater system, was highlighted in an update to the Amarillo City Council this week.
According to Special Advisor Floyd Hartman, the project is more than 97 percent complete as of June 30, with final testing and pipeline connections underway. The massive effort has been years in the making, and city leaders view it as essential to supporting Amarillo’s current needs while preparing for decades of anticipated growth.
A Project Rooted in Long-Term Planning
The project is a direct result of Amarillo’s 2013 wastewater master plan, which identified serious capacity concerns in the city’s east side. Hartman explained that much of the east side’s existing wastewater infrastructure had been overloaded for years, prompting the need for new construction.
“The word ‘interceptor’ means that it’s relieving the load on the existing system,” Hartman told the council. “If you’ll recall that this project was identified in the 2013 master study as most of the east side of Amarillo was overloaded with wastewater in the collection system.”
The Northeast Interceptor follows previous work on other parts of Amarillo’s wastewater system. The city addressed the Northwest Interceptor nearly a decade ago, and completed the Southwest Interceptor in 2013. This third major component, focused on the northeast side, is intended to balance the system across the city while opening the door for new residential and industrial development.
What the Project Includes
The Northeast Interceptor consists of approximately 13 miles of large sewer pipe running from the Tradewind Industrial Park area to the River Road Wastewater Treatment Facility. By diverting flow to River Road, the project will take pressure off other parts of the system, including the Hollywood Road facility, which has been approaching its upper operating limits.
Construction was awarded in October 2023 to S.J. Louis Construction of Texas, LTD, for $71,266,760.15. The contract allowed for 670 days of work, but as of late June, crews had used only 540 days, leaving about 67 contract days in reserve.
Hartman noted that progress has been impressive, especially given the unusually wet weather this year. “So, they’re really efficient with your time, understanding that those days are adjustable in the contract for weather,” he said. “It’s really amazing with this wet weather this year, that this has stayed this close and on track.”
Work in the Final Stretch
The remaining tasks are focused on backfilling trenches, managing the large mounds of soil excavated during the project, and completing final pipeline connections. Crews are also conducting testing to ensure the system is ready before it is brought online.
“From my understanding from the project managers, they’re starting to look out there and identify when they’re going to transition that lift station on that pipeline, which will be the date that is beneficial news to the city,” Hartman explained.
The project’s timeline has required close coordination among contractors, city staff, and other stakeholders. Hartman emphasized that despite weather challenges, delays have been minimal and the work is poised to finish as scheduled.
Preparing Amarillo for Growth
A key goal of the interceptor is to support Amarillo’s anticipated industrial and residential expansion. The pipeline has been sized with growth in mind, using a 50-year projection model that considers both population increases and industry demand.
“This also opens up that growth in the north side of Amarillo,” Hartman said. “One of the goals and objectives that we’ve seen is housing in North Amarillo, and this industry growth across the city economically, so those are factors that went into sizing the pipe. You combine that with the size of the Northwest Interceptor, and yes, it exceeds the capacity of the current plan.”
Mayor Cole Stanley pressed for details on just how much capacity relief the interceptor would provide. Hartman confirmed that the project anticipates increased capacity at the River Road facility and greater flexibility for the overall system.
Planning for the Future
While the interceptor will significantly reduce strain on Amarillo’s wastewater system, it is not a permanent solution to all capacity challenges. The city’s 2013 plan projected that by around 2026, additional expansion at the River Road plant may be necessary.
“The whole thing is really coordinated, and then in the future, you update the plan,” Hartman said. “Then there’s going to be some need for additional capacity at some time in the future. So, it’s cyclical. As the city grows, it goes back and forth between the plants and the collection systems.”
This cyclical planning is standard in wastewater management. As growth pushes facilities toward their 75 percent operating thresholds, cities begin preparing for expansion. Once facilities reach 90 percent, expansion becomes critical. Hartman said the interceptor project is designed to buy Amarillo more time between those thresholds.
“There will be a load reduction from the prison to Hollywood, it will go to River Road, and it’ll give you more time in your 90% on Hollywood,” he explained.
Financial Stewardship and Accountability
Infrastructure projects of this scale often face criticism for going over budget or encountering years-long delays. In this case, Hartman stressed that the Northeast Interceptor remains on budget and on time. The most recent payout brought total spending to $70 million, almost exactly in line with the contract award.
“This is all scheduled,” he said. “There’s been a strong coordination with all the stakeholders. It’s a significant project, minimum delay despite the weather challenges, and again, we’re on budget and on time at this point.”
For taxpayers, that accountability is key. A $71 million investment in underground infrastructure may not be as visible as new roads or buildings, but its impact on Amarillo’s ability to grow and attract business is significant.
Why It Matters
Wastewater systems are often overlooked until they fail. Amarillo’s proactive approach in addressing system overloads demonstrates a commitment to long-term planning and community growth. By increasing capacity now, the city reduces the risk of costly emergency fixes later while also supporting housing and economic development initiatives.
The Northeast Interceptor is not just a sewer line—it is the backbone of Amarillo’s next phase of growth. With capacity built in for decades to come, city leaders believe it will help sustain both residential expansion and industrial demand.
Looking Ahead
As the final weeks of construction wrap up, Amarillo officials are already considering how to time future wastewater expansions. The completion of the Northeast Interceptor will relieve immediate pressures, but growth will eventually require more investments in treatment capacity.
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