Farmington council approves Alliant Engineering contract for Sunnyside-area street redesign

Farmington City Council on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, approved a professional services agreement with Alliant Engineering Inc. for final design and bidding on the 2025 Street Improvement Project covering Sunnyside, Fairview, Centennial Drive, Centennial Court and Sunnyside Circle.

Why it matters: the project would narrow typical pavement from 36 feet to a 32-foot curb-to-curb standard in the project area, add storm sewer catch basins to address standing water, replace portions of the city’s water main, and is estimated at $3.8 million—about $800,000 above the $3 million target in the capital improvement plan. Council and staff discussed funding options, tree impacts, and pedestrian/bicycle accommodations before voting.

City staffer John introduced the feasibility work and described the proposed scope, saying the preferred geometric change was a 32-foot width between curb faces. "We're proposing and recommending a 32-foot width between the curb faces," John said, arguing the narrower cross-section reduces impervious surface, lowers maintenance costs and can help reduce vehicle speeds. He described three neighborhood open houses during design, reviewed pavement sections and geotechnical recommendations, and noted drainage problems similar to last year’s 6th Street work.

Key technical and design points presented by staff and…