| Duct Bank Installation on Westheimer |
Westheimer
Paving, Drainage and Streetscape Improvements Project:
Utility duct bank construction on Westheimer between Shepherd and Kirby has shifted to the easternmost phase of the project at the Shepherd intersection. Crews have begun installing underground duct work and will continue this through next week. If all goes as planned, workers will be ready to turn the corner onto Shepherd north of Westheimer next Thursday. This short run of duct installation extends north along the western curb line of Shepherd for a few hundred feet. Motorists along this section should expect one lane in either direction on the eastern half of Shepherd to get around the construction zone.
The contractor has also been approved to begin the final phase of work on the south side of Westheimer between Kirby and Argonne in concert with the work going on at Shepherd. This overlap of phases will help the contractor recapture lost time due to unmarked gas line complications and rain days suffered earlier in the project. The goal is to ensure completion of the utility phase by the Thanksgiving holidays. Work between Kirby and Argonne is currently scheduled to begin Wednesday.
Upon completion of the utility duct bank construction, 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 early in 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 [email protected].
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