Infrastructure committee approves multiple pavement, overlay and utilities projects including $2M river work

The Topeka City Public Infrastructure Committee approved a slate of construction projects and budget actions on March 17, 2026, voting to advance multiple pavement and utility efforts that city staff said are scheduled to begin this summer or fall.

Key approvals and details:

• Action 4A — UBASS program (Waker/"WMaker" Road): The committee approved a resolution to proceed with ultra‑thin bonded asphaltic surface (UBASS) work on sections of Waker/WMaker Road (10th Street to I‑470 and 21st to 29th). Staff described UBASS as a 5/8‑inch overlay and said additional locations (California from I‑7 to 10th; Northeast Quincy; Northeast Morris) may be added depending on bid results. Work is anticipated to start in July and is being bid for nighttime construction where feasible.

• Action 4B — Mill and overlay on Lower Silver Lake Road: The committee approved a mill‑and‑overlay project with a target start date no later than Aug. 3; staff said local traffic access will be maintained with periodic closures and detours to Highway 24, and promised neighborhood outreach because the corridor affects many businesses and agricultural harvest traffic.

• Action 4C — Milan overlay on Northwest Tigga Boulevard: Committee approved a Milan overlay from north of Elro Avenue to Mener Road; staff proposed night work or staged closures and will take the schedule to residents for input.

• Action 4D — Pavement management in Shadywood West: Approved milling/overlay, full‑depth patching, curb and gutter repairs and storm‑sewer pipe lining with anticipated June–October construction.

• Action 4E — Topeka Boulevard reconstruction (29th–37th): The committee approved a multi‑phase, two‑year reconstruction and Milan overlay that includes full reconstruction of intersections at 29th and 37th with signal replacements; staff said the project will maintain north–south traffic and will require detailed neighborhood and business access plans.

• Action 4F — North Kansas Avenue pavement approach to Kansas River bridge: Committee approved replacement of the concrete approach pavement (First Avenue to the bridge) coordinated with scheduled bridge work; funding will come from a half‑cent sales tax and staff committed to neighborhood outreach on access and detours.

• Action 4G — Waterline and pavement work (NW Tyler Street, SW 25th Street): Committee approved waterline repairs and pavement replacement projects that are expected to precede possible overlays later this year.

• Action 4H — River weir crest cap improvement (Utilities): Director Davis said an earlier engineer's estimate of $800,000 produced a single bid at $3 million; after negotiations the project budget request was $2,000,000. The committee approved the $2 million amendment; the director said staff would begin work in September with an estimated four‑month construction window. The vote was recorded as three to zero.

• Action 4I — Montter/Monta South Tower rehab (Utilities): Committee approved structural and safety rehab for the Montter/Monta South Tower (engineers estimated just over $1 million); staff said the project will be cash‑funded and take about four months.

Most motions were made, seconded and carried with the committee calling for “I” votes; where the transcript records an explicit tally, staff noted approvals (including the 3–0 vote on the river crest cap amendment). Several council members requested neighborhood meetings and advance notice for data collection or detour planning; staff committed to outreach and to coordinate with police, fire and transit where needed.

The committee set its next meeting for April 21, 2026.