The City of Topeka is kicking off road construction projects for the 2019 construction season, which are typically constructed from March through November. These projects are essential to restore roads in Topeka and to maintain them in order to keep roads in good shape for as long as possible.
Projects starting soon are:
SE Adams – 33rd to 37th – April 1st
Chesney Park, Phase 1 – April 1st
SW Gage – 25th to 29th – April 2nd
SW Arvonia/Winding Road – April 8th
“The passing of the half cent sales tax was critical to fixing our streets,” said Public Works Director Jason Peek. “The city is using new and innovative techniques to extend the life of our roads and keep them in the best shape possible while also replacing the streets that need the most work.”
The Public Works Department has been hard at work putting the city’s half cent sales tax to good use by improving streets all over the city. Three years ago, the city embarked on a new pavement management program heavy on analytics and effective processes. The first step was to gather data. In the fall of 2016, the city hired an independent firm to gauge the condition or our streets from 0 (the worst) to 100 (the best). Poor condition pavement ranks between 0-54; Fair between 55-70, and Good between 70-100.The most effective investment for Poor condition pavement is complete reconstruction; Fair condition, major to minor rehabilitation; and Good, regular preventive maintenance. Information regarding the program and condition results can be found at https://www.topeka.org/streetmaintenance/topeka-street-conditions/#glossary
The second step was to review various street maintenance methods and determine which ones were effective, which ones could be improve, and which ones may be missing. Following eight years of major construction, the City also added effective preventive maintenance program to keep the good streets good. As a result the city began micro-surfacing and crack-sealing to preserve the streets and keep them in good condition longer. Streets that are in good, satisfactory or fair condition, but not yet a candidate for a mill and overlay or replacement, are treated with preventive maintenance techniques. Eighty-three lane miles of streets received preventive maintenance treatment last year.
Together, the combination of crack-sealing and micro-sealing are a cost-effective way to “keep our good roads good”. The process takes a lot less time at a much lower cost than the more extensive mill and overlay project. The City plans to micro-seal approximately 100 lane-miles this spring/summer. Several major projects are in the works including mill and overlay and replacements of streets and intersections. Those projects can be found below.
Street crews will be working hard all summer to build the best roads for Topeka so please keep these safe driving tips in mind during construction season:
Be alert and watch for workers.
Be prepared to stop when necessary.
Follow all traffic control.
Don’t take shortcuts through private property.
Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Don’t tailgate.
Major road project details can be found on the front page of the City of Topeka’s website at www.topeka.org.
2019 Major Street Projects are as follows:
SE Adams – 33rd to 37th – Project #841017.83
Start Date: April 1, 2019
Completion Date: October 25, 2019
Details: This project is a complete removal and replacement.
Traffic Impact: The road will be closed. A signed detour will be provided.
Est. Budget: $1.6 million
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Project Public Meeting: 6-7 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at CRC Center, 455 SE Golf Park.
Chesney Park Neighborhood Project – Phase I – Project #841017.60
Start Date: April 1, 2019
Completion Date: November 15, 2019
Details: This two-construction season project includes some curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement; full depth patches in the street and a mill and overlay, extensive storm water piping and inlet boxes, and three blocks of waterline. 2019 construction includes the area from 17th to 21st and Washburn to Clay. 2020 construction will include the area from 17th to 21st and Clay to Western.
Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
Est. Budget: $2.7 million
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
SW Gage – 25th to 29th – Project #841017.84
Start Date: April 2, 2019
Completion Date: August 9, 2019
Details: This project will include full-depth patching and a mill and overlay.
Traffic Impact: Traffic will be allowed through the project during construction. Some turn restrictions may apply.
Estimated Budget: Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Project Public Meeting: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Monday, April 1, First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage.
SW Arvonia Place/Winding Road – Phase II Project #701014.01
Start Date: April 8
Completion Date – Phase II: September 20
Details: This 150-day project is complete removal and replacement as well as the relocation of the Arvonia Pl. and SW Winding Road intersection.
Traffic Impact: Arvonia will be closed to through traffic.
Estimated Budget: $2.13 million
Funding: General Obligation Bonds; City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, between 4:30 and 6 p.m. at Washburn Tech, 5724 SW Huntoon, in the Conference Center.
NW Vail – NW Gordon to Hwy 24 Frontage Road – Project #841017.82
Bid Date: April 9
Start Date: May 13
Completion Date: September 13
Details: The project will include complete removal and replacement of the pavement.
Traffic Impact: The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. A signed detour will be provided.
Estimated Budget: TBD
Funding: City Half Cent Sales Tax; Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
North Kansas Ave. – Morse to Soldier – Project #841017.85
Bid Date: TBD
Start Date: Summer 2019
Completion Date: Fall 2019
Details: This project will include complete pavement removal and reconstruction and limited sidewalk improvements.
Traffic Impact: Through traffic will be allowed during the project; some turn restrictions may apply.
Estimated Budget: TBD
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Clarion Woods Neighborhood – Phase II of II – Project #841040.15
Start Date: March 18
Completion Date: November 30 – Phase II
Details: This project is a complete reconstruction of residential streets and underdrains to eliminate water saturation under the roadway.
Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
Estimated Budget: $2.0 million
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Keith Duncan, P.E., 368-3842.
Tennessee Town Neighborhood Project #601075.02
Bid Date: April 10
Start Date: May 6
Completion Date: November 8
Details: This project will include portions of curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement; full depth patches in the street and a mill and overlay, extensive storm water piping and inlet boxes, and three blocks of waterline.
Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
Est. Budget: $1.4 million
Funding: SORT GO Bonds; City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
Bikeways Construction – Phase III – Project #861005.02
Bid Date: TBD
Start Date: Spring 2019
Completion Date: TBD depending on the start date.
Details: This project includes construction of bike lanes on SW 8th – Topeka Blvd. to College Ave. and on Washburn and Lane from SW 6th to SW 17th. It also includes pavement markings on all of Route 12; Route 19, Sections 6, 7 and 8; and Route 5, Section 23. The routes and other information regarding the progress of the master plan can be found at http://www.topekampo.org/bikeways-master-plan.html
Budget: $1 million
Funding: State Grant
City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
Micro surfacing – Project #601071.02
Bid Date: April 16
Start Date: TBD
Completion Date: 120 days after Start Date
Details: Crack sealing will take place during the 2018-19 winter; micro surfacing will occur after crack sealing has set for several months.
Traffic Impact: Projects on neighborhood streets will only impact those who park in front of their home or use the street regularly to come and go from the neighborhood. On busy streets, work may close a section for a short period but will be open by evening in most cases.
Funding: $3.0 million in remaining Countywide Half Cent Sales Tax
City Project Manager: Keith Duncan, P.E., 368-3842
