Reconstruction to start on drainage channel

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, work will begin to reconstruct approximately 1,250 linear feet of the concrete drainage channel from Elmwood Street east to the intersection of 14^th Street and Highland Avenue.

The City of Ponca City has entered into a contract with Dondlinger and Sons Construction Company, Inc. of Wichita, Kansas, to perform this channel reconstruction work. This is the same contractor that completed the construction of the new causeway bridge over Lake Ponca in 2013.

Decades ago, the City converted some streams into concrete-lined channels in an attempt to more efficiently convey runoff away from homes and reduce flooding. Some of these channels are now showing their age.

The channel that is the subject of this project conveys an unnamed tributary of the Arkansas River known as Tributary E. The channel begins at Hartford Avenue and runs southward past Washington School through the Acre Homes Addition before turning towards the southeast.

The section to be replaced runs between Elmwood Street and 14^th Street and runs along the RCB Bank Branch facility at 1223 East Highland Avenue. This section of the channel was constructed in 1961 and has fallen into disrepair as the concrete has deteriorated. Heavy rainfall in April 2012 caused damage to this channel as well. With this project, the old deteriorated concrete will be removed and replaced with new concrete.

The contract time for this project is 180 calendar days plus time for weather delays that may occur. Because this project involves work in a flowing stream, it was determined to start the project in the fall in order to be performed during the time of the year when heavier rainfall is less likely. It is anticipated that the project will be complete before the spring rains start again in March or April. The project will be performed in 5 phases, with the contractor being allowed to work on 250-foot sections of channel at a time.

It is not anticipated that any streets will be closed during construction, but there will be construction equipment and vehicles moving in and around the area throughout the duration of the project. If there are any lane closures or other activity that will affect street access, there will be signs and barricades in place to direct traffic. Motorists are urged to use caution in and around this construction site throughout the duration of the project.

Any questions regarding this project may be directed to Dondlinger and Sons Construction Company, Inc. at 316-945-0555 or to the City Engineering Department at 767-0326.