From this point, Digger’s Hotline would be called to locate the existing utilities in the area. The City would then send out a crew to do what’s called a Topographic Survey. This entails surveying everything that is in the general vicinity of the proposed street. This would include things like driveways, sidewalks, corners of buildings, trees, manholes, everything that the designer would need an elevation on to determine the drainage
of the street.

The Topographic Survey would then be turned over to a designer to determine the location and elevation of the proposed improvements which would include Sanitary Sewer mains and services, Water mains and services, Storm Sewer, Gas mains and services, and Street elevations. Street Lighting and power usually comes after the street has been paved.

As soon as plans are complete, the project would be let out and bids would be taken for a contractor to build the street. Bids would then be opened, reviewed, and awarded to a qualified contractor.

The first step of construction is generally clearing and grubbing of the Right-of-Way. This could mean clearing of trees and topsoil.

The next step would be removing bad concrete, curb and gutter, asphalt, and anything else that wouldn’t fall under the general clearing and grubbing.

Throughout the course of the construction project, wood stakes, flags, and hubs will be placed throughout the project. These are used for location and elevation of the proposed improvements.

From here, the Sanitary Sewer main and services are usually constructed because they are the deepest utility that goes into the ground. Depending on elevation, the lowest one first, the Storm Sewer or the Water main and services would go in next.

After the underground utilities have been installed, the sub-grade work can now begin. The soil would be scarified and re-compacted to meet correct moisture and compaction specifications. At this point, the street is ready to be paved.

If the street is to be concrete, a seven day curing time is needed after each pour for the concrete to gain enough strength for traffic. If the street is to be asphalt, the street would be closed until the asphalt has had time to cool – usually one day – then manholes and valves would be raised to grade.

Backfilling, sealing joints, and general clean up is all that is left for the street to be completed. Seeding and maintenance of the terrace is the responsibility of the property owner.

After proper cure time and final inspection by the City, the street can now be opened to traffic!