Council authorizes design work on 74th Street and discusses Wilshire storm fixes as 73rd Street construction faces weather delays

Windsor Heights — The City Council authorized design-phase professional services for 74th Street and discussed stormwater options for Wilshire Boulevard while reviewing phasing options for the long-running 73rd Street reconstruction project at the Aug. 19 meeting.

Justin Bing told the council 74th Street has low pavement condition and several water-main breaks; staff recommended moving forward with design and noted televising results are pending. The projected construction timeline is spring 2025, contingent on securing easements and De Mo Waterworks coordination.

On Wilshire Boulevard, staff described an older corrugated metal (CMP) storm pipe that has rusted and partially collapsed, causing water to back into backyards. Options discussed included the worst-case full survey and reconstruction (removing half the street and addressing utilities) or a more limited approach of installing intakes at the intersection of Willshire (Willshire) and 73rd to pick up stormwater and avoid extensive private-property access. Staff indicated the limited approach could substantially reduce cost and resident disruption if engineering confirms feasibility.

Council and staff also reviewed the 73rd Street project schedule. Recent heavy rain (staff cited one of the wettest Junes on record and a very wet July) has delayed progress; staff proposed notifying residents in the stage-5 area that crews could begin stage 5A within about a week to try to complete a second phase this year. The trade-off: starting stage 5A sooner shortens schedule but increases the risk of having an unpaved service during winter if weather forces stoppage. Staff said they are coordinating with the contractor to consider weekend or extended work windows for paving if weather permits but noted federal funding on some phases can complicate scheduling.

Council approved the professional-services authorizations and supported staff sending notices to stage-5 residents so work can begin if conditions allow.

Next steps: Staff will finalize professional-services agreements for design, confirm televising results on 74th Street, perform the required surveys for Wilshire if the conservative option is chosen, and notify residents about the potential start of stage-5 work.