What does the project involve?
The project involves a full-depth reconstruction of North Ohio Street from Belmont Avenue to the north city limits (approximately 400 feet north of Woodland Drive). The project will include drainage improvements by replacing four underground drainage pipes and the large box culvert immediately north of Augusta First United Methodist Church. The road will be rebuilt with a proper base and will be constructed out of asphalt in its current configuration excluding shoulders. The project will also include a short segment of Belmont Avenue from the intersection of Ohio and Belmont east approximately 180 feet. Lastly, the project will construct a new pedestrian trail along the west side of Ohio Street. At one end, it will connect to existing pedestrian infrastructure in Shryock Park and at the other end it will connect to existing pedestrian infrastructure along the south side of Belmont Avenue.
What is the completion date?
The North Ohio Street Reconstruction Project is scheduled for substantial completion on December 15, 2022, which will open the street to regular traffic flows with minimal disruption. After winter, the contractor will finish the project by addressing punch list items, final striping/signage, and seeding for ground restoration. The project is slated for final completion on April 14, 2023.
Will there be disruptions in traffic flow?
On May 31, 2022, RoadSafe will be on site to establish traffic control pursuant to the approved engineering plans. Traffic will be restricted to one-way southbound along Ohio Street. Traffic will flow southbound in the southbound lanes while the northbound lane is being reconstructed (completion of the northbound lane is tentatively scheduled for September 5, 2022). When construction switches to the southbound lanes, southbound traffic will be diverted to the completed northbound lane (completion of the southbound lanes is tentatively scheduled for December 15, 2022). While traffic restrictions are in place, all permitted traffic will be one-way southbound only.
Will the street be closed completely at any point during the project?
At no point will North Ohio Street be closed completely. However, there is one element of the project that will require a complete closure between Limerick Lane and Lakepoint Drive to replace the large box culvert for improved drainage. One-way southbound traffic will remain, however motorists will be required to find an alternate route around the area of the closure. The closure will happen over a weekend, and it will be communicated with the public when a date has been identified.
Will there be access to properties along Ohio Street?
Yes. While the northbound lane is being reconstructed, the contractor must maintain access to properties on the east side of Ohio Street. While the southbound lanes are being reconstructed, the contractor must maintain access to all properties on the west side of Ohio Street.
Will side streets have access to North Ohio Street?
Side streets will be temporarily closed at times to rebuild their access to North Ohio Street. However, no two adjacent side streets will be closed at the same time. While the northbound lane of North Ohio Street is being reconstructed, the contractor must maintain access to the southbound lane from open side streets. While the southbound lanes are being reconstructed, the contractor must maintain access to the completed northbound lane from open side streets for southbound traffic.
Will the City establish a north detour route?
Currently, the City does not have an established detour for northbound traffic out of the community. To get to El Dorado, citizens are encouraged to take Highway 54/400 to either Haverhill Road or Highway 77. To get to Wichita or Andover, citizens are encouraged to take Highway 54/400 with Santa Fe Lake Road/SW 70th Street as an alternate route. To get to K-254, citizens are encouraged to take Highway 54/400 to Santa Fe Lake Road and from there either take Santa Fe Lake Road north to SW 70th Street, east to Ohio Street, and north to K-254 or take Santa Fe Lake Road north all the way to K-254. We understand this will increase commute times. However, directing traffic to well-maintained, hard-surfaced roads is a safer alternative for motorists.
Within the city limits, citizens will have to find an alternate route to their destination through residential subdivisions. Please drive carefully and watch out for pedestrians.
Why is the City not using a pilot car or temporary traffic lights to maintain two-way traffic on Ohio Street?
Pilot cars and temporary traffic lights are suitable alternatives to maintain two-way traffic in highway construction zones with no access from side streets. In order to maintain access from side streets and properties along Ohio Street, we cannot restrict access that would be necessary to make pilot car or temporary traffic light operations safe.
What if my sprinkler system is damaged due to the North Ohio Street Reconstruction Project?
Unfortunately, damage to sprinkler systems during a project of this scale is not uncommon, especially for systems located close to the road. This damage is completely unintentional and, as as long as the damage is a direct result of the project work, the contractor will be responsible for any repairs.
If your sprinkler system is damaged by North Ohio Street Reconstruction Project work, please call the City at 316-775-4510. We will take down your name, address, and phone number and then coordinate with the on-site construction inspector. The inspector will then coordinate with the project contractor, who will work with you to complete and pay for any needed repairs.
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