Kelly Road Widening Project Delayed
Weather and Soil Compaction Problems
Construction began in early July on a partial widening project on Kelly from Danforth to Covell. The construction was originally expected to take approximately 45 days, and the project was designed to be completed around the start of the school year. Recent record rainfall has hindered construction and, along with soil compaction problems, have delayed completion of the project.
Lowe's initially approached the City about accelerating the time frame for widening the two western lanes near their store, to accommodate the additional traffic that will be generated. Since the Kelly widening project from Danforth to Covell was already included in the ODOT funding schedule for 2010, Lowe's is reimbursing the City for the funds that would have been provided through the state construction cycle, which will be approximately $1 million. Lowe's/Jemsite also hired the general contractor for the project, Vannoy Construction from Oklahoma City.
New southbound right turn lanes on Kelly south of Covell Village are being constructed to facilitate the flow of traffic on Kelly. Record rainfall for the month of August has delayed the pouring of the concrete paving for the new turn lanes. Today, the contractor expects to begin pouring portions of the pavement that have not been adversely affected by the rain, if weather permits. Today Lowe's/Jemsite also identified the revised, anticipated completion date for the project as September 22.
"We apologize for the inconvenience to our citizens who travel in the area," said Larry Stevens, City Manager for the City of Edmond. "We are working closely with the contractor in their efforts to expedite the project."
The Edmond Police Department has officers in the area directing traffic. Highly traveled times for the area include 7 to 8am and 2:15 to 3:15pm.
No detours have been indicated. Motorists are determining the best alternate routes during the construction.
Issued: August 21, 2008
