Arlington residents and visitors are going to benefit from projects during FY 2016 to upgrade city sidewalks, curbs, gutters and driveways now that the Arlington City Council has approved more than $4 million to hire contractors.

Arlington's Concrete & Handicap Ramp Program

This project provides for miscellaneous concrete repairs and is performed in conjunction with our street reclamation program. This work, which includes the removal and replacement of curb, gutter, sidewalks, and drive approaches, occurs a few months in advance of the asphalt reclamation process. For FY2016, this includes projects on Brown Boulevard, New York Avenue, and within the Hollandale Subdivision. The Handicap Ramp section of the contract includes installation of compliant ramps and replacement of adjacent sidewalks to ensure proper grade as per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Work will begin within the next few months.

Axis Contracting of Dallas is the contractor. The cost of the project is an estimated $1,176,660.

"This contract will provide timely and cost effective rehabilitation to existing public streets," said Assistant Director of Public Works & Transportation Mindy Carmichael.

One million dollars from the Street Maintenance Sales Tax, which was approved by Arlington voters in 2014, will help fund the contract.

Street Maintenance Sales Tax funds cannot be used to replace or install sidewalks, which is why $176,000 from the capital street bond fund will be used to repair existing sidewalks on the projects mentioned above.

Replacing City Sidewalks

Another critical part of the overall street maintenance program is replacing panels on several concrete roadways and sidewalks throughout the city.

According to the project engineer, the increased age and deterioration of concrete roadways and sidewalks has led to panel failures on major thoroughfare and collector streets. During the project, crews will permanently repair areas throughout the city that have temporarily been patched with asphalt to eliminate tripping hazards. This is a recurring annual contract..

Ken-Do Contracting of DeSoto in the contractor. The cost of the project is approximately $2,735,000.

Both programs are connected to the city council's Enhance Regional Mobility priority.