Construction is scheduled to begin on Tennent Avenue between Pear and Plum Streets at the two intersections on Tuesday, August 28. This project at Tennent Avenue is a council-approved Capital Improvement Project involving safety improvements on Tennent Avenue.
The work involves installation of high visibility continental crosswalks on all legs of both intersections, and interim curb extensions using pavement markings and flexible delineator posts. In addition, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons will be installed at the Tennent Ave. and Plum St. intersection.
Earlier this week, the Contractor has received all the materials to implement the project. A preconstruction meeting was held on August 24th and the Contractor expects to begin work by August 29th and complete by September 11 but may continue through September 28.
Next week, the Contractor will drill, prepare and pour foundations and allow the foundations to cure for seven days. After the labor day holiday, the Contractor will return to install the RRFB, roadway signs, and striping. The Contractor has installed construction area signage at the project site.
Road closures are not anticipated; instead, there will be a traffic control plan in place to minimize the disruption to the flow of traffic.
History
On November 1, 2022, City Council received a presentation on traffic safety issues on the Tennent Avenue Corridor and directed staff to return with potential modifications to the CIP to implement the safety recommendations for two intersections: Tennent Avenue and Pear Street intersection and Tennent Avenue and Plum Street.
At the February 21, 2023 Council meeting, City Council appropriated $110,000 for the Tennent Ave. Corridor immediate improvements. Immediate improvements include high visibility crosswalks, striped bulb outs with flexible posts at both intersections, and installation of Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) at Tennent Ave. and Plum St.
On April 27, 2023, City staff released the project bid and sealed bids were opened on June 7, 2023. On June 20, 2023, City Council awarded a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Xcel Engineering for the project. Due to supply chain issues, there was an 8-week lead time on the Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon.
On February 21, 2023, City Council appropriated $110,000 for immediate improvements at two intersections on Tennent Ave at Pear and Plum St. The goal of the improvements is to reduce traffic speed and offer shorter crossing distances for pedestrians crossing the crosswalks.