In addition to the 50 blocks of street the City plans to improve this year, it will also replace about 30 blocks of curb and gutter.
The City Commission awarded the curb and gutter contract to R & W Construction at this week’s commission meeting. The $371,000 contract is scheduled for completion this fall.
According to John Childs, City Engineer, in recent years the City has taken a more proactive approach to curb and gutter replacement.
“New curb and gutter in your neighborhood is a signal that street improvements are coming,” said Childs. “When we resurface or rebuild a street, we also replace curb and gutter. When possible, we have started doing that replacement a year in advance to help expedite the street construction timeline.”
Childs added that well-functioning curb and gutter are essential to street preservation.
“The infrastructure allows storm water to properly convey off the street surface. If it’s not moving the water properly, the water will penetrate the streets causing cracks, potholes, and sometimes severe damage under the surface,” Childs said.
This year’s curb and gutter replacement program is expected to begin next month with the most significant run of it along Pleasant Drive. Additional blocks throughout the community will also see improvements.
The 2022 curb and gutter replacement map can be viewed here or at cityofpierre.org