Shawnee to Close Monticello Road for Emergency Repairs

Categories: National School NewsWeather Delays/Cancellations

Monticello Road is temporarily closed for emergency repairs.

News Summary

Monticello Road in Shawnee will be closed from August 4 to August 8 for urgent stormwater pipe repairs due to the risk of sinkholes. This closure is a response to the deteriorating condition of the stormwater system, worsened by recent heavy rains. A full-scale repair, projected for September, will replace failing pipes with more durable concrete options. The city has allocated $2 million for the project, and detours will be implemented to ensure public safety.

Shawnee will close Monticello Road at 60th Street from August 4 to August 8 for emergency stormwater pipe repairs. This temporary closure is necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the stormwater system, which poses a risk of sinkholes. A full-scale repair, including a complete closure, is expected to take place in September.

City officials have indicated the urgency of these repairs, citing heavy rainfall last month that exacerbated the existing problems. Roadway plates currently cover damage near Mill Valley High School, and the city is responding to prevent further deterioration. The primary concern is the potential for new sinkholes to form if these issues are not addressed promptly.

Currently, Monticello Road has an existing sinkhole that has been present for several months, attributed to a failing stormwater pipe. This specific pipe, a 69-inch by 96-inch corrugated metal arch pipe, was installed in 1999 and has reached the end of its 20-30 year lifespan. To ensure safety and durability, the failing corrugated pipes will be replaced with reinforced concrete pipes, which are expected to last up to 100 years.

The emergency repairs will be funded by a bond issue approved by Shawnee voters in 2023 via the Parks and Pipes sales tax. The city council has allocated a budget of $2 million for the entire repair project, which includes the stormwater pipe and addressing the sinkhole issues. The materials for the project consist of a reinforced concrete box and a geopolymer lining, costing around $995,000 for the latter.

With the new school year approaching, residents near the high school are eager for the repairs to be completed swiftly. The projected timeline for completion of the full-scale repairs is four months, with a need to finish before classes begin. However, no disruptions or impacts on Mill Valley High School’s operations are expected during this time.

Detours will be implemented along Shawnee Mission Parkway, Woodland Drive, and Johnson Drive during the road closures to facilitate traffic and ensure public safety. The Shawnee Public Works Department will oversee the repair work, which will commence immediately upon City Council approval, with plans firmly in place to manage the necessary road repairs along Monticello Road.

The city’s stormwater system is primarily composed of corrugated metal pipes, and Shawnee is initiating a program to replace these with more sturdy options gradually. This change is critical not just for immediate safety but to prevent future emergencies arising from structural failures within the stormwater system. The improvements to Monticello Road are part of Shawnee’s commitment to infrastructure resilience and public safety.

Thus, while the temporary closure may create immediate inconveniences, it will ultimately lead to enhanced road safety and infrastructure for local residents and students alike.