FERRIS – The City of Ferris will begin construction next week on Phase I of its voter-approved street and drainage improvement program, marking the first major step in delivering long-term road and drainage improvements across the community.
Phase I will include the complete reconstruction of Wolf Springs Road, along with Birch Road from 5th Street to Wolf Springs Road. In total, the project represents more than 3,000 linear feet of roadway repair and reconstruction in concrete, along with related drainage improvements designed to improve durability, mobility, and long-term performance.
Construction is expected to continue for the next several weeks and will be completed before the beginning of the school year. During construction, residents and commuters should expect temporary traffic impacts, construction equipment, and changing work zones in the area. The city will provide updates as work progresses.
Improvements are being launched as the City prepares to issue the first tranche of bond proceeds, approximately $5-million, under its AA- bond rating.
This first bond sale will fund the initial phase of improvements and allow the City to begin priority street and drainage projects immediately, including Wolf Springs Road and Birch Road.
“Ferris voters made an investment in stronger, safer, and more reliable infrastructure, and we are moving quickly to put that investment to work,” said Mayor Fred C. Pontley. “Wolf Springs Road and Birch Road are important corridors for our residents, families, school partners and reconstructing these streets in concrete will provide a more durable roadway and better drainage for years to come.”
The larger bond program was approved to address aging streets, drainage challenges, potholes, and roadway conditions throughout the City. Phase I is the first step in a broader plan to replace deteriorating roadway sections, improve drainage conveyance, and build longer-lasting infrastructure across Ferris.
“These projects are about more than repairing pavement,” said City Manager, Dr. Brooks Williams. “They are about improving mobility, reducing recurring road and drainage problems, and building infrastructure that supports the continued growth of Ferris.”
As part of the city’s broader street and drainage program, projects are being prioritized by drainage basin, roadway condition, recurring maintenance needs, and the potential to improve stormwater conveyance.
Planned improvements generally include replacing asphalt roadways with concrete sections, improving borrow ditches, adding curb and gutter where appropriate, tying drainage back into existing intersections, and upgrading water or sewer infrastructure where needed beneath the roadway.
The City of Ferris thanks residents for their patience during construction and encourages drivers to use caution in work zones, follow posted signage, and plan for additional travel time when traveling near Wolf Springs Road and Birch Road.