Bandera Utility Construction, working for The Verandas at Southlake project, will be closing one lane of traffic near the 2200 block of Union Church between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, May 9th.  The purpose of the project is  to install new storm drain pipes across the roadway.  This single lane closure will take place between Edgebrook to the east and Chesapeake Ln to the west.

They will use flagmen to route traffic around a small length of roadway. The full roadway will be open every evening and on the weekends. One lane will be open at all times.  The roadway crossings and permanent paving repair are expected to be completed within two weeks.

The first issue related to sewer line failures under the pavement and around sanitary sewer manholes that caused the road to dip in certain areas. Work crews successfully:

• Repaired the damaged sewer lines
• Restored the structural integrity of the road where needed

Public Works Operations road crews also repaired damages caused by pavement oxidation, which is when exposure to oxygen causes asphalt to become brittle and crack. Repairs included:

• Fixing cracks in the asphalt to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage to the road
• Re-paving the road to improve drive quality
• Adding new center and outline stripes along the road

The re-construction was successfully com
pleted March 2013 and the traffic congestion caused by the re-construction has eased.

The Public Works Department strives to maintain the City’s roadways, a top concern of residents in the 2011 Citizens Survey. The construction to improve Lilac Lane represents a continued commitment to that goal as well as to the citizens of Southlake.

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works Operations at 817-748-8079.

As part of Southlake’s Emergency Operation Plan, maintaining the ability to distribute safe, clean water in the event of a power outage is a top commitment for the Public Works Department. To honor the department’s commitment, 4 new and permanent backup generators are being installed at Pearson Pump Station.

The purpose of the generators is to ensure the continued operation of the water pumps in the event a natural disaster caused power outage and loss of electricity to the site. Should this happen, the generators will kick in and continue to pump water from the Pearson Pump Station to the affected service area with little to no disruptions.

Weather in Texas is never consistent but preparedness is important nonetheless. In the spirit of being prepared then, the installation of these generators will alleviate problems distributing water should that unpredictable Texas weather knock out the power. Hopefully that doesn’t happen, but if it does it’s good to know these backup generators will ensure things continue to run smoothly and keep water flowing to the citizens of Southlake. If you have any questions about this project, please contact Public Works at 817-748-8079.

The changes will also cause the closure of the eastbound SH 114 frontage road at Southlake Boulevard and Northwest Highway.  In addition, the free-right turn from northbound FM Southlake Boulevard /Northwest Highway to the eastbound SH 114 frontage road and the U-turn from the eastbound SH 114 frontage road to the westbound SH 114 frontage road at Southlake Boulevard/Northwest Highway will be closed.

The lane changes are expected to be complete by 6:00 a.m., Monday (4/15) morning.

For more information about the project and other closures, please visit www.DFWConnector.com.

The City of Southlake would like to make residents and visitors aware of some upcoming road construction and maintenance plans for Southlake Town Square.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, starting at 9:00 p.m. Southlake Public Works staff will begin preparations for resurfacing Prospect Street and Central Ave. Staff will perform roadway milling on Prospect St. from State Street west to S. Carroll Avenue. Prospect Street will be closed during the hours of 9:00 p.m. April 3 and 7:00 a.m. April 4, 2013.

On Thursday, April 4, 2013, starting at 7:00 a.m. staff will begin wedge milling the gutter lines along Central Ave.between Main Street. and Southlake Boulevard.  Central Ave.will remain open to through traffic during this operation but traffic should anticipate occasional delays, please seek alternate routes in and out of Town Square when possible.

On Monday, April 8, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. staff will begin resurfacing Central Avenue.  The street will remain open to through traffic during this operation but traffic should anticipate occasional delays, please seek alternate routes in and out of Town Square when possible.

On Wednesday, April 10th 2013 at 9:00 p.m. staff will begin resurfacing Prospect Street between State Street and S. Carroll Avenue Prospect Street will be closed to traffic and parking until 8:00 a.m. April 11, 2013.

Orange Barrel Alert! Southlake Public Works Department in partnership with Tarrant County Precinct 3 Maintenance, will start reconstruction of the 2000 and 3000 blocks of N. White Chapel Blvd.

The scope of this project is approximately 300 linear feet south of the intersection of Sweet Street, heading north to 700 linear feet north of the intersection of Wingate Lane.

Construction will begin Wednesday March 27, 2013. Weather permitting,the project is expected to be completed by May 6, 2013.

N. White Chapel Blvd. will remain open during daily construction activities, but traffic delays should be anticipated. When possible drivers are asked to use alternative routes.

In FY 2011 and FY 2012, the first two phases weatherproofed the north and south sides of the building.  Phase three addresses the same issues on the east and west sides of the building. The project is expected to take approximately six  weeks to complete.   The goal is to finish the project before the annual Art in Town Square event scheduled for April 26^th-28^th.

While construction is going on, public safety will be a top priority.   A few things to remember about the project:

• Sidewalk access to the east and west side of the building will be closed as the project progresses and all work areas will be isolated using a chain link fence.
• No pedestrian traffic will be allowed around the zone.
• Expect to see scaffolding set up in the work areas.
• All parking spaces adjacent to the building on one side at a time will be blocked 24/7 while work on that side of the building is in progress.

The drainage improvements consist of:

• Extending the existing drainage culvert that is under Southlake Boulevard approximately 100 linear feet.
• Landscaping and placing a grass strip over the new section of drainage culvert.
• Removing the existing concrete channel lining and replacing it with articulated concrete blocks (ACB), which are interlocking, pervious blocks that allows vegetative growth.

Once completed, the drainage improvements to the McPherson Branch Channel will achieve several things. First, the channel improvements may address issues of standing water related to the existing concrete lining. Ponding, or when water pools and stagnates, can potentially be a health issue and the Public Works Department is committed to reducing that risk. Additionally, the improvements will facilitate easier maintenance of the area around the channel and, as a result, make the immediate area more visually appealing.   Finally, the improvements will allow for a future connection road between the two shopping centers.

The Public Works Department consistently emphasizes a commitment to citizen safety and infrastructure. The McPherson Branch Drainage Channel improvements are one aspect of that commitment. That is why the City is investing $507,815 into these drainage infrastructure improvements. The project is slated to begin construction in late March 2013.

For any questions please call the City of Southlake Public Works Department at 817-748-8098 or visit the City website.

The team on this project is currently installing interior framing and retention walls, bricking, and finishing roof trusses. Firing range walls and the concrete deck have been completed, and the team is working closely with neighbors regarding construction concerns and wall/fence installations.

The new fire engine (A Pierce Quantum Pumper from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group) will be purchased to complete the DPS North Training Facility following the Council’s approval on February 19^th. This engine will be stationed and staffed at the facility on a full-time bases and will provide Fire and EMS coverage to the northern part of the City.

This purchase was budgeted in the FY 2013 Strategic Initiative Fund. For more information on the DPS North Training Facility project, visit its information page at CityofSouthlake.com.