2016/08/22 - Walter's Blog: Public Works

Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton

August 22, 2016

As promised, the Milburn/Simmons Roundabout opened on August 5. We know this was heavily anticipated, judging by social media traffic and the fact more than 1,000 cars went through the roundabout in the hour before school started on the first day at the OTHS Milburn Campus.

Also completed for the first day of school was the Milburn School Road sidewalk extension, which included a pedestrian bridge over Ogles Creek. It is now possible to walk from the Fairwood Hills subdivision all the way to the Milburn Campus by sidewalk.

Summer is the traditional season for Public Works projects and there are more still underway:

  • W. Hwy. 50 improvements: turn lanes and intersection improvements are being made to improve traffic flow in front of Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart. The project is funded through a state grant.
  • Presidential Street drainage: Drainage improvements are being made from Madison down to Washington. The project is funded through the voter-approved ½-cent Proposition S sales tax.
  • Howard/Smiley drainage: This is the final phase to improve drainage from Smiley through Howard, Estate Drive, Carson, Behrens to the Public Safety Facility. The project is funded through the voter-approved ½-cent Proposition S sales tax.
  • Exit 14 Improvements: The I-64 interchange at Hwy. 50 has long had drainage problems that make it difficult to maintain. The project is funded through a state grant and will make several drainage improvements.
  • Asphalt Paving Program: This is an annual program to maintain existing asphalt streets funded through the voter-approved ½-cent Proposition S sales tax.
  • Concrete Replacement Program: This is an annual program to maintain existing concrete streets funded through the voter-approved ½-cent Proposition S sales tax.

Upcoming projects include Green Mount Road expansion, 2nd Street reconstruction, and new sidewalks at EK, Marie Schaefer, and Hinchcliffe Schools.

With 158 miles of streets, 294 miles of water lines, and 127 miles of sewer lines, it is a challenge to stay on top of everything. However, the recent Citizen Survey indicates O’Fallon residents are satisfied with Public Works operations. The following are the ratings of residents as “Good” or “Excellent”:

  • Street repair: 59%
  • Street cleaning: 79%
  • Snow removal: 64%
  • Sidewalk maintenance: 64%
  • Drinking water: 73%
  • Storm drainage: 63%
  • Sewer services: 80%
  • Overall ease of travel: 83%
  • Ease of travel by car: 78%
  • Customer Service by City employees: 82%
  • Overall direction of the City: 65%

Public Works projects can be a hassle with road closures and big holes. We appreciate your patience as we work to keep O’Fallon infrastructure efficient and well-maintained.