By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The pavement on 43rd and 45th Streets west of Vine Street has been patched many times over the last 17 years. Removal and replacement of the concrete pavement is now necessary, according to Hays Projects Manager John Braun. Both streets are three lanes, constructed in 2000 as part of the Walmart Supercenter project.

City commissioners last week authorized City Manager Toby Dougherty to enter into an agreement with Driggs Design Group, Hays, in the amount of $53,628 for engineering services in the reconstruction of those portions of 43rd and 45th. The monies would come from Commission Capital Reserves.

Braun pointed out the project compliments the proposed extension of 43rd Street for new development of a hotel and convention center.

“Driggs Design Group is the engineer for the new Hilton Garden Inn development which includes extending 43rd Street to the west. Having the same engineer for both the extension and the reconstruction is logical,” said Braun.

“The proposed project is to reconstruct only the pavement and to beef up the road base, especially on 45th Street to accommodate the  semi-truck delivery traffic to nearby businesses. Existing curb and gutters and driveways would remain,” he explained. A sidewalk would also be constructed along the north side of 43rd Street.

The proposed scheduled calls for a bid opening in June with reconstruction of 43rd to be completed before the end of the year. Reconstruction of 45th Street may carry over into 2019. Estimated construction cost for the combined projects is $1.74 million.