MSD Project Clear has released a first of its kind 3D VR-compatible explorable model of the Maline Creek Storage Tunnel in North St. Louis. The Maline Creek Tunnel Virtual Experience gives anyone with a phone, tablet, computer or VR goggles the opportunity to explore the tunnel end to end, and to learn about how it was built and how it works.
The Maline Creek Tunnel sits almost 200-feet underground and runs roughly along Riverview Blvd from Church Street to Chain of Rocks. It is a key component of MSD Project Clear’s plan to eliminate basement backups and reduce overflows into area waterways. During rain events, when St. Louis’ combined sewer system exceeds capacity, excess water is diverted into the tunnel and held. When the rain stops, the water is pumped back into the system and to the Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (near I-70 and Grand Ave) to be treated. The tunnel went into service in the Fall of 2020 and has already been utilized several times.
The Maline Creek Tunnel took eight years to design and build, and cost more than $84 million. The primary contractors were SAK Construction (O’Fallon, MO) and Goodwin Brothers Construction (St. Louis, MO). Contractors exceeded all MSD Project Clear MWBE and workforce requirements, with $17 million going to minority or women-owned businesses, and a workforce that was 30% minority and 8% female.
Scanning for The Maline Creek Tunnel Virtual Experience took place in October and November of 2020. The joint effort between MSD Project Clear, SAK Construction, Invelop, Spot Content Studio and the St. Louis Fire Department, was done in the spirit of transparency and education. You can learn more about the production by watching 200 Feet Underground: The Maline Creek Tunnel. You can find The Maline Creek Tunnel Virtual Experience HERE.