| Upper Kirby Weekly Construction Update |
Upper Kirby Construction
Buffalo Speedway Well Underway
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 Upper Kirby roadway reconstruction continues this week along Kirby Drive between Richmond and US 59, on Wakeforest between Richmond and US 59 and on Buffalo Speedway between US 59 and Bissonnet.
Buffalo Speedway Construction Traffic along this stretch of roadway Remains unchanged this week. One lane in either directi
on is being maintained along the west side of the roadway with a continuous left turn maintained in the center.
Southbound traffic should expect to be transitioned from two lanes to one lane just south of US 59 and northbound traffic should expect a similar shift to the west just north of Bissonnet.
The Week Ahead
Work next week will consist of continued utility duct bank construction on Buffalo Speedway. Crews have been working from Bissonnet north to the 59 frontage road installing the telecommunications and electrical ducts that will soon house the existing overhead utility lines. While the final schedule of this phase of work is dependent on successful coordination with existing underground utility providers regarding conflict relocations, duct work is on track to be completed in April. Once complete, crews will demobilize and allow the overhead utility providers time to transfer services underground and remove the existing utility poles from the right of way. This transfer work could take anywhere from 45 to 90 days to complete.
The goal for completion of the entire reconstruction of Buffalo Speedway is November 2011. During this period, overhead utilities will be moved underground, the four-lane roadway will be repaved as a six-lane roadway to address the serious congestion issues along this stretch, the storm sewer system will be upgraded and a complete streetscape will be implemented to include pedestrian lighting, enhanced sidewalks and crosswalks, pedestrian amenities and improved landscaping and irrigation.
Kirby Drive Construction Transfer of overhead services to the recently constructed underground duct banks has begun by both electricity and telecommunications providers and will continue throughout the month of March. Once the overhead utility poles are removed, roadway repaving can commence. Crews expect to begin paving work early in April.
The Week Ahead
Existing construction barriers will remain on the west side of the roadway while utility work continues. Motorists should expect four lanes to remain unobstructed as utility crews proceed with the transfer of overhead services underground. Southbound motorists should expect the curbside lane approaching Richmond to remain right-turn-only throughout this phase.
This section of Kirby Drive is scheduled to be substantially complete in November 2011.
Wakeforest Construction The Wakeforest reconstruction project includes water line and storm sewer improvements as well as complete roadway repaving and new sidewalk installation. The new roadway will consist of two, 11-foot lanes and space for on-street parking.
The Week Ahead
Work this week on Wakeforest will consist of continued paving work between the US 59 frontage road and Lexington and new sidewalk installation. Paving and inlet installation activity here will impact the outside (curb-side) lane of the frontage road as it crosses Wakeforest. Motorists should expect the brief lane closure on the frontage road to continue through the coming week.
For more information on Upper Kirby construction projects and for issues and concerns as construction progresses, contact Travis Younkin at 713-524-8000 or email travis@upperkirby.org.
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