HUTCHINSON, Kan.— For the past three years the city of Hutchinson has been entertaining building a bicycling boulevard along Washington Street. The initial idea came when there was a push for more such cycling avenues. Since then, a new section of bike trail has been installed inside the state fairgrounds and along 23rd Avenue east of Plum.
It also included the Washington Street project which has never gained much traction until now. The Hutchinson City Council will be asked to approve a supplemental engineering agreement with ESP USA Inc. for an engineering study of the project. The boulevard would run from 17th and Washington north to 27th. It would allow cyclists from that area to go east and intercept the state fair trail after crossing Main Street.
The original contract included a budget to complete concept and final design of the bicycle boulevard improvements. However, due to a series of unexpected staff changes at the City of Hutchinson, the project has resulted in budget overruns due to work outside of the original contract scope, or changes that have been made that will require rework to complete the project. So the supplemental contract is needed.
The project will include repairs to the storm sewer that is showing signs of failure between 18th and 19th Avenue and new curb and gutter along with ADA ramps and a new street surface where needed. Total cost of the engineering study is $17,640. The matter comes up for action during Tuesday's City Council meeting set for 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson City offices.