Highland Shores Boulevard construction began in March. The $668,791 project includes an asphalt overlay and pedestrian crossing improvements, according to project details.
Phase 2 of the 2022 bond streets improvement project should begin in May, Public Works Director Scott Kriston said. The $3.6 million three-phase project consists of reconstructing 25 streets. Phase 1 began last summer and was completed earlier this year.
The projects are necessary because the roads have reached the end of their useful life, Kriston said. Both are entirely funded through the city’s 2022 bond program.
“Everything has a lifespan, including underground infrastructure and street infrastructure,” Kriston said.
What’s happening?
Infrastructure is reviewed annually, Kriston said. City staff uses a pavement condition index, and roads are tapped for maintenance once its score falls between 60-69. The 25 streets included in the 2022 bond streets improvement project were identified as failing.
Phase 2 will affect 132 residences; all three phases impact nearly 500 residences, Kriston said. He said the impact will be temporary.
“If a project has 220 days allotted to complete, it’s not going to be 220 days that your road in front of your property is torn [up],” he said. “It might be a three-week process in front of your residence.”
City officials plan to keep residents informed, said Laurie Mullens, director of marketing and communications. Letters were sent to those who will be impacted.
“[Reconstruction] certainly is an inconvenience, but once it’s all done, it is very much worth it,” City Manager Paul Stevens said.
Zooming in
An asphalt overlay on Highland Shores Boulevard is needed to maintain the roadway, increase its longevity and maintain good ride quality, according to project details. Once work is completed, it will likely be eight to 10 years until the city needs to spend a significant amount of money on repairs, Kriston said.
Work is anticipated to finish before fall. Crosswalk work and sidewalks are being constructed between Highland Village Road and Briarhill Boulevard as of late April. Once the overlay begins, likely in May, traffic will shift to one side, Kriston said.
As a feeder street, Highland Shores Boulevard is one of the city’s busiest roads, Kriston said. It is the east-west connection through the city and carries about 5,000 cars daily.
The project also addresses pedestrian mobility, a new initiative staff is considering for all road projects, Kriston said. A bike lane will also be added to the eastbound section.
Damon Williams, owner of Cadence Cyclery of Lakeside, said a dedicated bike lane will help improve safety and minimize the traffic impact.
“The No. 1 thing that road cyclists think about is safety,” he said. “We always had to go single-file getting through [Highland Shores Boulevard]. If we had a bike lane we could ride through a lot faster and with less impact.”
Looking ahead
Phase 3 of the 2022 bond streets improvement project is anticipated to go out for bid in early 2025, according to city officials. The entire project is expected to be completed that same year.
More work is planned for Highland Shores Boulevard. The section from Briarhill Boulevard to Twin Coves Drive will be reconstructed. Crews will replace the concrete pavement as well as improve drainage, and pedestrian and traffic safety, according to project details. The $500,000 project is in the engineering design phase and will be funded through the bond program.
“Streets are really the most visible thing that affect people every day,” Stevens said. “We want to make sure we have the best roads possible for us to drive on. This is going to go a long way.”
