Zacate Creek Interceptor Project – Laredo, TX
Client
- City of Laredo
Project Value 
N/A
Market
Tunneling, Water And Wastewater
Services
Engineering
We are supporting a critical wastewater infrastructure improvement for the City of Laredo in Texas. As a specialty subconsultant to Ardurra, our team is providing tunneling engineering services for the Zacate Creek Interceptor Project.
The project will modernize Laredo’s wastewater system, protect natural resources, and support the planned closure of the city’s oldest wastewater treatment plant.
Modernizing Laredo’s Wastewater Infrastructure
The project includes a new wastewater interceptor that will extend approximately 7,100 feet along and near the Rio Grande. The interceptor will have a diameter of 42 inches.
Once complete, the new infrastructure will divert wastewater from the existing Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. It will then connect to another interceptor that conveys flows to the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Southside facility provides a more modern and efficient treatment solution. Therefore, the new interceptor represents a critical step toward improving the reliability of Laredo’s wastewater system.
Our work builds on Parsons’ extensive experience delivering complex water, wastewater, and water reuse solutions for communities around the world.
Supporting The Closure Of An Aging Facility
The Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is Laredo’s oldest treatment facility. Some sections of the plant are more than 60 years old.
In addition, the facility sits within a floodplain and requires high operating costs. The new interceptor will allow the city to decommission the aging plant after transferring its wastewater flows.
Once the facility closes, the city can reuse the riverside property for other community purposes. As a result, the project will help fulfill a commitment made to Laredo residents more than 30 years ago.
Minimizing Disruptions Through Microtunneling
The project will use microtunneling across most of the interceptor alignment. This advanced trenchless construction method allows crews to install the pipeline deep below the surface.
Additionally, microtunneling will help limit disruptions near city streets, the Kansas City Southern Railyard, and the active riverside area. The approach will reduce impacts on traffic, nearby properties, and the public.
Our team is applying specialized tunnel and underground engineering experience to support the project. In particular, we are helping the delivery team address the complex geotechnical and geological conditions found along the Rio Grande.
Advancing Construction Along The Rio Grande
The project celebrated its groundbreaking in October 2024. During the ceremony, the project team introduced the microtunneling machine as “Tunneling Teresa,” following the tunneling tradition of naming machines before excavation begins.
Construction is now progressing from the project staging area near Slaughter Park. The tunneling machine will create an accurate underground path for the new wastewater transmission line.
The City of Laredo is investing approximately $29 million in the infrastructure improvement. Project completion is currently expected during the third quarter of 2026.
Through this work, we are helping Laredo strengthen its wastewater network, reduce environmental risks, and prepare an important riverside site for future community use.
