Officials with the city of West University Place started preparations May 13 for the second phase of a drainage project targeting several streets on the city's east side.

What readers should know

Construction crews with TB Concrete Construction, the company contracted to do the work, began installing traffic control and tree protection tools along the 2800-3100 blocks of Duke Street, according to an update posted to the city's website.

On May 20, crews are slated to officially break ground on the project, which will start with the removal of existing pavement on the south side of Duke.

A look back


The city's East Side Paving and Drainage Improvement Project kicked off in April 2023 with the first phase targeting a section of University Boulevard from Buffalo Speedway to Kirby Drive. Substantial completion was reached on that phase in April.

The latest

The next phase of work has been split into three subsections, according to city information.
  • Section 1: Targets the 2800-3100 blocks of Duke Street, including the removal of pavement, upsizing of storm sewer pipe and repaving the roadway
  • Section 2: Targets the 2600 and 2700 blocks of Rice Boulevard, including the removal of pavement, upsizing of storm sewer pipe, installation of a new waterline and repaving of the roadway
  • Section 3: Targets the 5800-6400 blocks of Wakeforest Avenue, including the removal of pavement, upsizing of storm sewer pipe and repaving of the roadway
The contractor will remove pavement in 800-foot sections, according to city information. The 2800-3100 blocks of Duke will be reduced to one westbound lane while work is ongoing. Drivers will be detoured south down Buffalo Speedway, east on Pittsburg Street, and then north on Wakeforest to then continue west.

The big picture


Most of the cost of the $6 million east side project was covered by grant funding, with the city paying about $600,000 for the work, city officials said.

Meanwhile, design work started this spring on a West Side Paving and Drainage project that officials said represents the largest infrastructure investment in the city's history.

One more thing

Some driveways in the work zone will be removed and replaced with a light broom concrete finish, according to city information.


At certain points during construction, officials warned driveway access to certain properties will be impacted during the day. However, affected residents will be given advance notice before driveways are removed, and temporary driveway access will be provided at the end of each work day.

Learn more about the project on the city's website.