|
Upper Kirby Update
April 20, 2012
|
Buffalo Speedway Improvements
Tree Installation Underway |
 Buffalo Speedway Construction
With roadway work now complete on Buffalo Speedway, efforts have shifted towards landscaping and streetscape installation.
Crews began planting the new chinese pistache trees that will soon line both sides of the roadway. Given right-of-way restrictions along Buffalo Speedway, it was necessary to choose a smaller tree but one that would maintain a long life and provide some shade when mature. The chinese pistache will top out at around 25-feet tall with a canopy around 12-feet in diameter. They will also provide nice color to the roadway in the fall.
Also taking place this week will be pedestrian lighting foundation installation and additional landscaping.
Richmond
Avenue Construction
The Richmond Storm Sewer Improvements Project between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway was originally slated to begin construction late in February, but was delayed at the request of the City to refine a traffic control plan that would be less disruptive to the motorists and businesses during construction.
A final configuration was approved several weeks ago, however it has taken some time to come to terms with the contractor as to what impact the requested traffic changes will have on cost and timing. Those discussions have progressed to a point where a certain start date has been confirmed.Construction is scheduled to begin April 30. Message boards will be posted next week alerting motorists to the coming construction.
The scope of the project entails installing a 6'X6' storm drain line between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway on the north side of Richmond to alleviate the flooding that is commonplace along this stretch of roadway. The new line will empty into the recently improved Kirby Drive system which will take the water all the way to Braes Bayou.
The original traffic control plan would have used all three lanes north of the esplanade to construct the storm line leaving one lane in either direction and a continuous center turn lane on the south side of the esplanade during construction.
Under the new plan, two eastbound lanes will be maintained on the south side of the roadway and two westbound lanes will be maintained; the first along the southern curb of the esplanade and the other splitting around the construction area and traveling down the northern curb of the street. This northern curbside lane will allow for easy driveway and side-street access to businesses and destinations north of Richmond during construction.
Look for further updates on this project as details are finalized.
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.
|
