Board approves reconstruction plan for West Drexel Avenue, estimates $4.5M

The Franklin City Board of Public Works voted Feb. 10 to support reconstruction of West Drexel Avenue and instructed staff to advance the project toward procurement.

City Engineer Mike Paulus said the work would continue last summer's reconstruction eastward from previous limits and would run from Bridgeview Drive to Northwestern Mutual Way, the planned driveway for a new Costco expected to open this fall. Paulus said the area has very poor soils requiring stabilization measures, and staff estimated the reconstruction at about $4,500,000.

Paulus described coordination with the Costco site: Costco will perform median modifications and install a traffic signal at its driveway at its expense; the signal and median improvements will be turned over to the city for ownership and maintenance after installation. Staff also said they will direct Costco-related truck traffic to 27th Street rather than across Drexel.

The board discussed financing; Paulus said the city expects to borrow for the project and that the finance committee had discussed the item, though borrowing had not yet been finalized. The presentation included options to separate bid packages so contractors can see multiple Franklin projects and potentially sharpen bids.

Ernest Tim moved to support the recommendation to reconstruct West Drexel Avenue; Alderman Hassan seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Staff indicated the city aims to complete the reconstruction in time for the Costco opening this fall and will return with final procurement and financing details.