Emergency Trunk Sewer Replacement Project 2024

In June 2024, City staff discovered multiple pipeline failures in Escondido’s trunk sewer main during routine inspections. Portions of the pipe had collapsed, creating sinkhole risks and threatening service to nearly one-third of the City’s wastewater system. 

The City Manager proclaimed a local emergency on June 20, 2024, which was ratified by the City Council on June 26, 2024. This allowed the City to move quickly to begin emergency repairs without the delays of the typical bidding process. 

Replacement today prevents costly emergency repairs tomorrow.

Project Scope

Emergency repairs have been split into two sections: 

  • Section 1 (Ash Street to Walmart Neighborhood Market): Completed July 7, 2025. 
  • Section 2 (Beech Street to Grape Day Park): In progress. Crews have replaced nearly 3,720 feet of 24-inch sewer main, installed 12 new manholes, and reconnected 13 laterals.

In June 2025, a conflict with a 36-inch water transmission main was discovered. To minimize long-term impacts and provide better value to the City, the project was rerouted into East Valley Parkway. 

Upcoming Construction & Closures

  • North Fig Street: Full closure Sept. 2–19, 2025, between Washington Avenue and Valley Parkway. Detours will be posted; local access permitted. 

A map showing construction and road closures at Fig Street

  • East Valley Parkway (Beech Street to Fig Street): Night work beginning Sept. 23, 2025, continuing through early 2026. Work hours are 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday. 

A map showing the construction and road closures at Valley Parkway

Why This Matters

  • Protects public safety by addressing collapsed pipes and preventing sinkholes. 
  • Ensures reliable sewer service for decades. 
  • Replaces aging 1960s infrastructure with durable, larger-capacity PVC pipe. 
  • Protects water quality and the environment. 

Estimated Completion: Early 2026

 Contacts

  • Eric Iglesias – Field Engineering Supervisor – 760-504-9373 
  • Jorge Delgado – Field Engineering Inspector – 442-777-8842 
  • Randy Manns – Utilities Construction Manager - 760-839-6290 x7031 

Trunk Sewer Main Replacement Project

City Council awarded the project to Southland Paving, Inc. on February 8, 2023, in the amount of $8,482,904.64. Construction began in August 2023 and was completed in June 2025.