West University’s east side drainage project to begin construction in January

Correction: The term wastewater has been changed to stormwater for accuracy.

The city of West University Place held a town hall meeting Aug. 29 to go over plans of the East Side Paving and Drainage Improvement Project, a stormwater drainage and repavement project that will be split into two packages.

Package 1 is expected to reach 100% design completion by October, and construction is scheduled to begin in January. The package involves paving and drainage upgrades along University Boulevard between Buffalo Speedway and Kirby Drive.

Package 2 involves 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. The package’s starting construction date is subject to funding.

Construction duration is anticipated to last 15 months, according to engineer John Peterson with Henningson, Durham & Richardson Inc., the design firm hired by the city on Jan. 22, 2021.

On July 25 West University City Council voted to approve its notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation, a means of funding large city projects through municipal bonds. Of the $61.12 million in bonds the city expects to spend, $15.77 million will go toward the east side drainage project.