2018/05/01 - Walter's Blog: Spring Means Sunshine, Dandelions, and Road Construction

Spring means sunshine, dandelions, and road construction. We have a number of projects upcoming that may inconvenience O’Fallon motorists, so here is an update on their progress and other City construction projects:

Pavement Management Program: The City Council approved a comprehensive evaluation of O’Fallon’s streets to determine a strategy for maintaining the city’s roadways. This is the first year of the program and includes the repaving of the following neighborhoods: Westbrook and Parkridge Estates Subdivisions, the Ridge Prairie Heights Subdivision, the Manors at Fairwood Hills Subdivision, and the Cedar Meadows Subdivision. The 2018 Concrete Replacement portion of the project was bid on April 25 and will be on the May 7 City Council meeting agenda for consideration. The asphalt overlay package will be bid in May and will be on the May 28 Public Works Committee meeting agenda for consideration.

Milburn School Road/Old Collinsville Road Roundabout: This is the last of the road improvements on Milburn School Road. As with previous roundabout projects, construction will begin when school ends and will be complete when classes resume. There will be detours around the intersection for motorists, so it should not be too inconvenient.

Presidential Street Phase 3 stormwater and street improvements: This will be the third year of construction and will include drainage and road improvements through the older part of town. This is funded through the voter-approved Proposition S ½-cent sales tax. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

Green Mount Road/Central Park Drive Intersection Improvements: Extra turn lanes will be built on Green Mount Road and Central Park Drive to relieve congestion in that busy area. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

Downtown Plaza: The pavilion, plaza, and parking lot will begin construction in May and should be open by fall. Bids were opened on April 25 and will be on the May 7 City Council meeting agenda for consideration. In addition to the plaza, 12 parking spaces will be constructed next to the Chamber of Commerce Depot.

City Hall parking lot: In a further attempt to relieve parking congestion in the vibrant downtown area, a new parking lot will be constructed west of City Hall. Bids were opened on April 25 and will be on the May 7 City Council meeting agenda for consideration.

City Hall security renovations: In addition to the new parking lot, City Hall security renovations are currently underway. Emergency exit doors will be constructed in the back of the City Council Chambers and the first and second floor counters will receive security upgrades.

Family Sports Park Expansion: The all-weather baseball and softball fields are still under construction and should be complete this summer. This will allow for high school and college aged teams to play in the Family Sports Park and expands our ability to host state and regional tournaments.

Water Projects: The City regularly replaces and extends water lines to maintain the quality of the system. This year’s construction list includes the Southview Watermain Replacement Phase 1, West State Street Watermain Replacement (from Oak to Smiley), and Union Hill Road Watermain Replacement.

Sewer Projects: The City regularly replaces and extends sewer lines to maintain the quality of the system. This year’s construction list includes East State Street Sewer Extension, Southview Sewer Lining Phase 1, Woodstream Trunk Main Replacement, and the West State Street Sewer Replacement. The Wastewater Treatment Plant will also begin an expansion program.

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.