ICYMI: Street Reconstruction Project (Phase 3)

Published on December 30, 2021

Have you driven on some of Belton's newly reconstructed streets? Would you like to see more? We do, and we have a new plan to make that happen!

Over the past three years, 17.5 miles of residential roads have been reconstructed and resurfaced, 48,000 feet of curb has been replaced, and 113 sidewalk ramps were brought into ADA compliance in 22 subdivisions throughout the city. This was made possible by voter approval with the passing of Proposition R for Street Bonds in 2019.

Backstory: Stantec Consulting Services, a nationally acclaimed company, collected and analyzed data on our city streets in 2019 using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). The overall PCI rating for Belton streets was "46" which equates to a "poor" condition. At the time of the analysis, 68 percent (178.97 lane miles) of the roads were labeled in a poor, very poor, serious, or failing condition.

“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past three years and it would not have been possible without voter approval,” says Greg Rokos, Public Works Director.  “Moving forward, we have established a new four-year plan that once completed, will bring the average street rating for the entire city to satisfactory or higher.”

In April 2022, voters will be asked to approve general obligation bonds to continue the Street Reconstruction project with the new four-year plan, which will allow for the reconstruction and resurfacing of approximately 20 more miles of residential roads, will replace 90,000 more feet of curb, and bring 115 sidewalk ramps into ADA compliance in 33 subdivisions throughout the city.

What does street reconstruction entail? Reconstructing a street is a four-step process that includes:

1.     Remove the old asphalt.

2.     If needed, make repairs to the subgrade (the road’s foundation).

3.     Put down the base asphalt layer(s).

4.     Install final surface layer.

Investing in city streets and sidewalks goes beyond much needed improvements to the city’s critical infrastructure, these upgrades beautify our community. New streets and sidewalks are safer, more attractive, and a pleasure to drive and walk on.