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Lake Elbert corridor construction nears completion; city expects paving and ribbon-cutting this summer
Summary
City staff reported that underground utility work for the Lake Elbert complete-street project is nearly finished, with paving expected in mid-June and project completion targeted for late July pending weather. The project replaces aging utilities, adds a multi-use trail and improvements along a 1.6-mile city corridor.
City staff updated the commission on progress toward completing the Lake Elbert complete-streets project and said the bulk of underground water, sewer and stormwater work is finished.
Andy Palmer, project staff, said construction began in early 2024 and that the city's segment covers about 1.6 miles (DOT completed an adjacent 0.6-mile portion earlier). He said the contractor has installed about three-quarters of the trail and that roughly 99.8% of the underground work is complete, including replacement of older lines and removal of approximately 3,600 linear feet of asbestos water main.
Palmer said the contractor was preparing lime rock and base for final paving and that weather would determine the exact paving window; staff currently anticipates final paving within about two weeks of the briefing and substantial completion in late July. The project scope includes new water and sewer mains, stormwater upgrades, traffic-calming elements, landscaping, a trailhead at Polk State College and a continuous multi-use trail; staff said roadway and trail paving may be followed by a ribbon-cutting later in summer or early fall.
Commissioners asked about the Eleventh Street intersection design; staff said the existing slip lane will be converted to a full T intersection with stop control on the side street and no slip lanes, a change intended to slow turning traffic and improve pedestrian safety.
Staff said the project used a "dig once" approach to coordinate utilities and surface work and that some unplanned repairs (for example, a January blowout at the College Grove intersection) further justified the replacement work. The commission was told the project remains subject to typical weather-related schedule risks but staff expects to seek a ribbon-cutting event once punch-list work is complete.
