Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss

FROM:

David P. Cronin, P.E.

CC:

Chuck Soules

Date:

June 17, 2008

RE:

UPDATE: Brick Street Reconstruction; Ohio Street – 6th St. to 8th St.

 

Please include this update on the City Manager’s Report for the June 24, 2008 City Commission meeting.

Project Description.  Reconstruction of Ohio St. between 6th St. and 8th St. back to a Brick Street.

Project History/Details.  The Ohio Brick Street project was selected by KDOT in 2005 as a Transportation Enhancement Program Project for the rehabilitation of a historic transportation facility (Old West Lawrence).  The plans were developed in-house by the City. 

 

The construction process involves removing the existing asphalt overlay, removing and salvaging existing brick and stone curb, and construction of new brick roadway.  The new roadway consists of treated subgrade, concrete base, sand leveling layer, and one course of salvaged brick.  Stone curb and hitching posts will be restored to original condition.

 

The work is being completed in three phases: 700 block of Ohio St., 600 block of Ohio St., and 7th & Ohio St. intersection.

 

Project Update.  The first phase of the project, reconstruction of the 700 block, began April 3, 2008.  Removing the asphalt overlay took less than a week and peeled off the underlaying brick very easily. The next step was removing the existing two layers of bricks and stockpiling them off site to be cleaned and sorted.  The brick is in better condition than expected and we anticipate having adequate reusable brick to finish the first block.  The stone curb was lifted and set back off the roadway and hitching posts were tagged and stored offsite. 

 

Unfortunately after a relatively quick start to the project, progress slowed when it was determined that utility service lines crossing the street were at a borderline depth which resulted in lowering them for each residence. That combined with the frequent rains slowed down progress to fly ash treat the subgrade and pour the concrete base.  Since then, work has been steady when the weather cooperates and most of the stone curb has been reset and the brick course is being constructed.  We anticipate finishing the 700 block by the end of June and proceeding on to the 600 block. 

 

The neighborhood has been real receptive to the project so far. With favorable weather and the experience gained from the 700 block we will complete the remainder of the project in 2-3 months. The attached photos document the progress.

 

Project Funding.  This project is included in the 2008 Capital Improvement Plan and is part of the 2008 KDOT Transportation Enhancement Program.  The funding is an 80%/20% (KDOT/City) split (KDOT $535,991.14; City $133,997.78).  City staff will provide inspection services which KDOT will also pay for 80%.