What is wrong with Woodlawn? City shares latest on construction delay
It’s been a long five years for Bel Aire residents who frequently drive on Woodlawn.
The reconstruction of Woodlawn from 37th St N to 45th N is a project that began in 2021 but was put on pause after signs of “sinking, buckling and tearing,” the city’s director of communications Nick Bishop said. Work started again in April after the Kansas Department of Transportation approved plans earlier this year. But the project was once again halted in May.
The city did not initially say why the work was delayed, just that it found “conditions that will require additional evaluation and treatment.” Late last week, the city finally shared what caused the ongoing delay.
According to the city’s Facebook post, construction crews found more soft subgrade than expected.
“Because of the extensive geotechnical investigations and testing that occurred prior to reconstruction, it was anticipated that soft subgrade would be encountered on this project. However, the extent of the soft subgrade was surprising,” the Facebook post read.
Soft subgrade is a weak soil or foundation layer found at the bottom of a paved area. All parties agreed to pause construction, the post read, and KDOT ran tests on the soil to determine the best approach.
“Initially, the on-site recommendation was to chemically stabilize the soil with calcium oxide (lime) in order to provide a solid base from which to build on,” the post reads. “KDOT had to run at least three tests at different lime percentages to get the desired Plasticity Index (a measure of how much soil can be deformed before it breaks) in the subgrade, which ultimately was an 8% lime mixture.
“Removal and replacement of unstable subgrade with suitable engineered fill is also being calculated and considered at this time.”
The preferred approach will be determined by KDOT and the city following a review, the post said. A change order with the new plans is being developed. When the council receives it, the city will likely call a special meeting for approval. Then the order will be sent to KDOT for authorization before construction will resume.
Woodlawn’s construction was expected to be completed in summer 2027. It’s unclear how this delay will affect that date.
“Once the change order is received and approved, we will have a better idea of when construction can resume and provide an updated timeline,” Bishop told The Eagle via Email.
“While reconstruction delays are frustrating, it is important that this reconstruction effort is successful,” the Facebook post said. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we work through these challenges and move the project forward.”
