DECEMBER 17, 2024 |
Photo – Map of Higley Blvd pedestrian underpass – Courtesy City of Rawlins
In Rawlins tonight, the city council will hold a special workshop to discuss the increased cost of the proposed Higley Boulevard pedestrian underpass.
In July of 2022, the Rawlins city council partnered with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to construct a nearly $1.6 million-dollar pedestrian underpass beneath North Higley Boulevard. The tunnel is designed to allow residents living on the east side of the city to safely access schools and walking trails without crossing the busy highway.
The city committed to pay 9.51% of the total project cost, amounting to approximately $158,000 at the time. WYDOT agreed to provide $1.5 million for the project, with the condition that the city would cover any expenses exceeding the initial projected cost.
Just two years later, inflation increased the cost of the project by over $1 million, with the new projected total closer to $2.8 million.
At the December 3rd Rawlins City Council meeting, the governing body was presented with an amendment to the WYDOT contract that would have the state agency pay an additional $1 million toward the pedestrian underpass.
The city will still be required to cover 9.51% of the total project cost. Councilman Chris Weisenburg said he was concerned by how much the price, and the city’s expected contribution, has increased since the project’s inception.
The Rawlins city council also questioned where water will be pumped that collects in the tunnel. The proposed location, roughly 300 feet south of the intersection of Higley Boulevard and Harshman Street, is well known for having a high-water table.
Last year, the city hired Stantec, an engineering firm, to study the groundwater in the area. In October, the firm’s Senior Hydrogeologist Mark Stacy concluded that between 25 and 57 gallons of water a minute will accumulate in the tunnel, requiring the installation of a 6-inch drainage pipe.
During the December 3rd city council meeting, Vice Mayor Steve Sanger said based on current runoff in the area, the water is likely to be directed south, toward Inverness Boulevard.
Councilman Bruce Seilaff asked if adding more groundwater to the area, which already has drainage issues, is a good idea.
City staff will be required to maintain the proposed drainage system, adding an additional financial burden to the budget.
The governing body is expecting to receive answers to both water and funding questions tonight. Wyoming Department of Transportation, Engineer Jake Lonn is set to meet with the city council, Public Works Director Cody Dill, and City Manager Tom Sarvey to discuss the project.
The Higley Boulevard pedestrian underpass workshop begins at 6:00pm tonight in the Rawlins City Hall, located at 521 West Cedar Street. The meeting is open to the public. The regularly scheduled city council meeting will occur afterwards.
