Iola City Council members will discuss Monday an engineer’s recommendation to fully rebuild U.S. 54 through town.
In early 2021, Council members hired the Burns and McDonnell engineering firm to inspect the highway, including boring several holes along the route, to determine whether the approximate 1.4-mile stretch could be milled and overlaid instead of replaced down to the base.
The cost of a full rebuild would be in the millions of dollars.
“Based upon the analysis … a long-term pavement replacement plan is recommended,” project manager Ronnie Williams wrote. “Short-term improvements such as crack sealing and mill and overlay programs will provide a short-term benefit, however the underlying concrete pavement will continue to deteriorate due to the undesirable subgrade and vehicle loadings placed upon the pavement each day.”
Without a full rebuild, the pavement condition will continue to deteriorate to the point it would require extensive repairs every four to six years, Williams noted.
ALSO on Monday’s agenda is a decision on whether to increase gas meter fees and a higher rate structure to help replenish the city’s natural gas utility reserves; and a discussion on whether to allow bicycles onto the skate park ramps at Riverside Park. Bicycles are currently banned from the parik.
Monday’s meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday at the New Community Building at Riverside Park. The public is invited.
