Million-dollar streets project getting closer to reality
Staff reporter
For years, Eisenhower Drive, which connects U.S.-56 to Marion's Main Street, has been in need of reconstruction because of the high amount of traffic and the age of the road since it was originally constructed.
Residents are pleased and excited about a project that was explained to them Wednesday evening that will improve portions of Eisenhower Drive and North Cedar Street.
Approximately 40 people heard about the plans regarding new curbs, gutters, and asphalt overlays on the two high-traffic city streets.
The scope of the project is from Main Street/K-256 on Eisenhower Drive to Kellison Street, which is the city limit boundary, and from Main Street/K-256 on North Cedar Street to Sherman Street.
One block of North Cedar Street from Sherman to Denver streets was overlaid a few years ago and continues to adequately serve traffic needs. One mile of Eisenhower Drive/Timber Road from Kellison Street to U.S.-56 is owned by Marion County. There are no plans for improvements for that stretch of road.
If funds remain after the scope of the project is completed, other parts of Cedar or Eisenhower may be considered, which also may include sidewalks on Eisenhower and widening Cedar Street.
Jon Halbgewachs of Kirkham Michael of Ellsworth, explained that the two streets will be treated as one project with the two locations.
Maps were shown to interested residents regarding the specific streets that will be replaced.
Plans included a six-inch overlay with a rock base, and curbs and gutters.
Eisenhower Drive
Construction will begin in the spring of 2009, Halbgewachs said, with completion anticipated by August of that year.
Accessibility issues are the main concern.
Eisenhower Drive is the only means of accessing Sunrise Townhomes, Marion Assisted Living, a parking lot at Golden Living Center, and the two sports complexes — football/track stadium and baseball/softball complex.
One possible solution could be to do one lane or one side of the street at one time, leaving the other side accessible.
Halbgewachs said it would be more cost-effective to close a road and do the construction all at once instead of in sections but understands the importance of accessibility for residents, employees, athletes, and spectators.
Storm sewers won't be needed because of the natural slope which will allow drainage to continue north to ditches.
North Cedar Street
Construction for this part of the project also is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2009 with completion by October 2009.
Plans at this point do not include the widening of Cedar Street, Halbgewachs said, but could if the budget allows. He suggested if the city council decides to widen the street, an additional width of a lane would be suggested to address parking issues.
General information
Neither aspect of the project includes new sidewalks but could be included as an add-on for the project if the budget allows.
Speaking of budgets, Halbgewachs said that even though gas prices continue to increase, he was confident construction cost estimates will be realistic when it comes time for the bidding.
"We'll solicit bids early to take advantage before contractors get a full schedule," he said.
What are the advantages of a rock base vs. dirt?
"A rock base is more stable," Halbgewachs said, "and is better than dirt."
How long will these new asphalt streets last?
"We'll probably see deterioration after 10 years," Halbgewachs said. Continual maintenance will be required of sealing and patching as needed.
The City of Marion was awarded a Community Development Block Grant for $400,000 for the project. The city also received a $644,480 loan from Kansas Department of Transportation.
Engineer's cost estimates of the project are $1,044,480 which includes engineering fees, grant administration fees, and the cost of construction. The actual cost will not be known until bids are solicited in the coming months but it's the engineer's goal that the actual final cost be less than the engineer's estimate.
