East of Africa and State Street Updates
Construction continued last week on the bridge connection linking Westar Boulevard to Africa Road at the southwestern entrance to the 88-acre East of Africa development.
Crews completed the Alkyre Run culvert connector at the Yarnell Farm bridge site while continuing work on the bridge framework. The bridge and roadway are among the project’s final major components. The East of Africa project is expected to be completed in early summer.
The new bridge connects to the much older Yarnell Farm bridge with a culvert structure that links a newer opening to an older round pipe. The concrete structure helps direct water flow through the channel and protect the pipe end and surrounding soil from erosion. Stone placed along part of the drainage channel also helps stabilize the bank.
The crossing is near Yarnell Farm, where barns and farm buildings still shape the landscape even as construction activity expands nearby.
The bridge is expected to provide a new connection between Westar Boulevard and Africa Road along the southwestern edge of the development site.
Boardwalk Gets Railings
Taking advantage of warmer, drier weather, crews have moved much closer to completing the boardwalk over the retention pond behind the Sharp House on Africa Road. The latest additions include banisters and railings running the full length of the walkway, along with waterproof decorative panels covering the concrete piers that anchor the structure.
Manhole Covers Raised and Repaired
Road crews are making repairs to manholes along State Street by cutting large circular sections of pavement around the structures and removing the old surrounding supports. The process allows workers to raise and re-level manholes that have shifted or sunk under the weight of heavy traffic. Once set back to the proper height, the manholes are secured with new concrete “donuts” designed to hold them firmly in place.
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