Work set to begin again on Woodlawn reconstruction. Here’s when
Work on Woodlawn in Bel Aire is expected to continue after the City Council approved a new construction plan Tuesday.
Reconstruction of Woodlawn from 37th St N. to 45th N. began in 2021 but was put on pause after signs of sinking, buckling and tearing. Work on the street started again this April after the Kansas Department of Transportation approved plans earlier this year.
In May, the project was halted again, this time after crews found an unexpected amount of soft subgrade — a weak soil or foundation layer at the bottom of a paved area.
The council was presented with two options Tuesday about how to address the issue.
“I have spoken to (the Kansas Department of Transportation), and they are acceptable (of) either option,” Anne Stephens, Bel Aire’s city engineer, said. “They really left the choice up to the city.”
The first was to remove and replace the existing subgrade with suitable engineer fill, which would have cost an additional $1,039,880 and added 63 working days to the Woodlawn project.
The second was to stabilize the subgrade with a lime treatment and place a geotextile to create a uniform base. This option will cost $712,024 and take an additional 53 days to complete.
“(It’s) going to be a faster fix on the roadway, basically you’re fixing material that’s already there,” said Bob Henthorne, the vice president of geotechnical services at Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC).
“I think both (options) are totally valid. If there is a risk, it is with the lime treatment.”
The council ended up going with the second option, which is roughly $328,000 less than the first option.
“It takes less cash and less time for the community,” council member Mike Proctor said after he moved for the council to approve the second option. The motion passed unanimously.
Stephens said Pearson Construction, the contractor working on the project, expects to continue construction the week of July 6. That date could end up being earlier depending on other projects.
