The Street Reconstruction program is a $50 million dollar multi-year effort (through 2011) funded by the Better Denver bond initiative. This work is being programmed and implemented jointly between the Street Maintenance and Engineering Division staff to meet the overall Citywide street improvements and will complement the Street Maintenance annual mill and overlay programs.
The annual prioritized list of street reconstruction projects is developed from Street Maintenance recommendations, based on pavement condition assessments and surveyed effects of winter freezing damage. This list is then broken down into either projects that require a full reconstruction due to complete pavement failure, or partial reconstruction involving a mill and overlay to restore the top pavement layer.
Beyond the street pavement limits, the Street Reconstruction work program performs limited replacement of curb ramps, curb and gutter, or sidewalk that is in poor condition, missing, or is not in the correct location to meet the new street pavement surface. In addition, the work program performs minor drainage improvements when identified to correct street drainage issues.
Should a street require full street reconstruction, the existing pavement will be fully removed and replaced with asphalt or concrete appropriate to the street classification and usage. Reconditioning or replacement of the subgrade (earth layer below pavement) is performed as needed to ensure the new pavement has a solid foundation. For full street reconstruction projects, the construction plans and specifications are prepared to Public Works standards. Experience with many recent & similar projects has resulted in a streamlined process of document preparation, internal and external reviews, and contract preparation resulting in an efficient process of getting projects to construction. Close coordination between Street Maintenance and the Capital Projects Management Division continues to guide and inform the Street Reconstruction work.