 | Westheimer Reconstruction East
Project Boundaries
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Westheimer
Paving, Drainage and Streetscape Improvements Project:
Texas Sterling Construction (TSC) had hoped to begin mobilizing crews and equipment for utility work on Westheimer between Shepherd Drive and Kirby Drive this week but have been stalled slightly due to a small change in material detail. TSC hopes to have pricing confirmed on the detail change so that work can begin next week. This delay will not significantly impact the project duration of approximately four months. Please look for further updates next week as sequencing details are finalized.
This first phase of what will eventually be a complete roadway reconstruction will entail overhead utility burial, a process that will consist of approximately four months of underground duct bank construction followed by relocation and reconnection activities undertaken by CenterPoint Energy and associated telecommunications providers. The goal is to have the ducts constructed and roadway temporarily restored by September/October 2013 well ahead of the 2013 holiday season.
TSC has confirmed that they will begin work on the north side of Westheimer, just east of Argonne. Work will be undertaken in 800-foot sections moving east to Shepherd, at which point crews will come back to install the short stretch on the south side of Westheimer from Argonne west to Kirby. The curb-side lane and sidewalk will be impacted for installation of the duct banks and crews will use the middle lane for to work out of next to the trench. Travel lanes will be narrowed to one lane in either direction to pass the construction zone.
Once the underground duct banks are constructed, the roadway will be temporarily paved and striped allowing full vehicular access while CenterPoint and the telecommunications companies reconnect services underground. The duration of this reconnection work will be up to the utility providers though 45 to 90 days is typical.
While the various utility companies work to reconnect the eastern half of Westheimer, the Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority (UKRA) will aim to begin duct bank construction between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway. The UKRA expects to bid this western section of Westheimer later this summer.
Once the utilities have been removed and the lines brought underground east of Kirby, Upper Kirby will move forward with drainage and underground infrastructure improvements followed by complete repaving of the roadway. The project will also entail the installation of a pedestrian-oriented streetscape similar to the treatment provided on the recent Kirby Drive and Buffalo Speedway projects. Roadway reconstruction is anticipated to begin in January 2014 and last approximately 10 months.
For more information on Upper Kirby construction and related activities or for construction related issues or concerns, please contact Travis Younkin at 713.524.8000 or travis@upperkirby.org.
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