Paving and drainage upgrades along University Boulevard from Buffalo Speedway to Kirby Drive began April 24 along the 3000-3100 blocks of University Boulevard in West University Place, city officials said in a news release. West University Place city leaders marked the groundbreaking kickoff event April 20.

The construction marks the beginning of package one of the two-part project, also referred to as the East Side Paving and Drainage Improvement Project. The entire project will be completed in two separate packages as what city officials said is an effort to avoid having too much of one area of the city under construction at the same time.

“We are thrilled to be breaking ground on such an important project,” Mayor Susan Sample said in a news release. “These improvements will not only enhance the mobility of residents in West University Place, but will also ensure the safety and reliability of our community’s infrastructure for years to come.”

Here are five takeaways from the project:

• The first package is projected to be completed in May 2024.
• While the price tag for the project is nearly $6 million, only an estimated $600,000 will come out of taxpayers' pockets with 90% of the cost allocated from grant funding.
• Approximately 3,900 linear feet of stormwater sewer pipe will be replaced with larger junction boxes and inlets to increase the capacity of water flow.
• The city will replace 15,000 square yard of concrete pavement.
• Package two is under design and will include paving and drainage upgrades along Wakeforest Avenue between Plumb and Pemberton streets, on Rice Avenue between Wakeforest and Kirby drives, and on Duke Street between Buffalo and Wakeforest.