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Jenks staff say Elm Street improvements delayed by utility relocations and poor soils; completion targeted for October 2026
Summary
City staff reported that AT&T relocations and unforeseen unsuitable soils have slowed the Elm Street reconstruction; contractor Paragon is working as possible and the full project is expected to finish around October next year.
City staff updated the Jenks City Council on the Elm Street reconstruction project, saying utility relocations and unexpected soil conditions have slowed progress but that crews remain committed to the contract schedule.
Assistant City Manager Robert Carr said Paragon Contractors began work in early January on phase one, between 111th and 121st streets, including a trail segment. Work initially focused on locating underground utilities. Carr said AT&T did not begin relocations until mid-April, which left Paragon limited areas where it could work early in the schedule.
"When they first started, they found out that AT&T was in the way of everything," Carr said. He added that Paragon and AT&T coordinated to clear some equipment at the northwest corner of the 121st intersection to allow storm drain work to proceed.
Carr told the council that the contractor has encountered "unsuitable, unforeseen soil conditions" along a sizable portion of the west side of the road. The staff-recommended stabilizing option is to mix cement into the soil to improve foundation strength for the roadway and sidewalks; Carr warned the process will likely generate dust during application. He also said rain has further slowed construction.
Carr said Paragon has completed storm drains in the 121st Street area and is installing curb, but additional work remains. The project schedule in the meeting packet still shows an anticipated full completion date "around October of next year," and staff said they will advertise phase two (to 131st Street) when contract documents are ready.
Council members asked whether AT&T can accelerate relocations; staff responded that AT&T's splicing work on the west side is expected to take "about 3 or 4 weeks" before it moves to the east side, and that some other utilities (East Central Electric) remain to be relocated.
Ending: Staff urged patience and said traffic measures and police assistance have helped maintain safety while crews work close to traffic lanes; the city will return with updates as phase two is prepared for bidding.
