By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Work will begin in early March on the reconstruction of a portion of Allen Street in Hays, from 8th Street to the intersection of 24th and Vine Streets.

A public information meeting and open house for the project will be held Mon., Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Along with city staff, contractor Paul Wertenberger Construction, Hays, and design engineer Kirkham-Michael Engineers, Ellsworth, will be on hand to present the plan and schedule, and to answer questions.

“The project includes removing and replacing the pavement, curb and gutter, and much of the sidewalk and driveways along Allen Street,” said city Projects Manager John Braun.

“Water mains will also be replaced from 10th Street to 24th Street and along 23rd Street from Allen to Vine,” he added.

Allen Street will be closed in two-block segments as construction progresses through the summer and into the fall. The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.

Paul Wertenberger had the lowest bid for the project at $2,386,808.42, about $2 million under the budget estimate. The city will pay cash for the work.

This project has been in the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) since 2011.

Allen Street is functionally classified as a Major Collector road, which carries between 2,000 and 4,000 vehicles per day throughout the 5,100 foot section of the project. It’s a two-lane road with parking along the west side only.

Those unable to attend the meeting or who have questions should contact Braun at 785-628-7350 or email [email protected].