Engineering: Projects

Sterling Ponds Trail Project

Background

The Sterling Ponds Subdivision is located on the north end of town, north of Hwy 35 and west of County U.  This subdivison was originally constructed in 2003

Project Description

Approximately 1966 lineal feet of trail will be constructed along exsiting wetlands and storm water management facilities.

Schedule

This project is currently on hold.

Main St/Quarry Rd Signal Light

Background

Kwik Trip has purchased the land on the southeast corner of Quarry Road and North Main Street and plans to build a store there in the summer of 2010.  They have met with the City to discuss the project, have submitted a CSM for their parcel, and the initial site plan.  Kwik Trip requested a full access to North Main Street, which the City has denied to date.  It is presumed that Kwik Trip’s access will come off of Quarry Road.  The construction of a Kwik Trip at this location is expected to generate sufficient traffic to warrant a signal system at Quarry Road and North Main Street.

Project Description

A signal system will be designed and installed at the intersection and will be coordinated with the Paulson Road and County Road MM signals.  In addition, the intersection area will be re-striped to provide for the necessary turn lanes.  It is anticipated that a right turn lane will be needed to accommodate the northbound North Main Street onto eastbound Quarry Road traffic.  A right turn lane may also be needed for southbound North Main Street onto westbound Quarry Road traffic.  Storm sewer and water main relocations will be necessary.  Several street lights will need to be removed and replaced with lighting units installed on the signal poles.  Sidewalk in the southeast quadrant of the intersection will be installed by Kwik Trip.  No sidewalk will be installed in the northeast quadrant at this time, although the signal pole placement will take into consideration a future sidewalk in this area.

Schedule

South Wasson Lane Trail Extension

Background

In 2008 a new bridge with a trail crossing was constructed along South Wasson Lane.  With the construction of this bridge, which included a trail crossing, connection of the existing segments of trail was now possible.  After the bridge was constructed the City sought and secured right-of-way along this corridor to construct a trail.  Due to the high traffic and pedestrian volumes on this street, a continuous trail is desired for safety.

Project Description

South Wasson Lane currently serves as a minor arterial street for the City of River Falls, and plays an important role in the local transportation network. The current pedestrian access is sub-standard, with disconnected sections of trail and sidewalk along the length of it.  With the proximity to the University and the High School, this area receives signifigant pedestrian traffic and the traffic volumes do not allow for adequate safe passing within the roadway.

Schedule

The City has approved the contract and expects the contractor to begin work in late June.  Work should be mostly complete by mid/late August.

Annual Street Maintenance Program

Background

Each year, the City Council budgets money to preserve and maintain the integrity of the growing system of roadways within River Falls. Preservation and maintenance practices include:

• Crack Sealing Streets (Avg. 5 times in 70 years)
• Seal Coating Streets (Avg. 5 times in 70 years)
• Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk Repair (as needed and in conjunction with Mill & Overlay)
• Mill & Overlay of Streets (Avg. 2 times in 70 years)

There are currently no assessments for these preservation and maintenance practices. They are funded with a portion of your tax dollars.

Pavement Condition Index (PCI)

Each year, pavements within the City are evaluated and inspected to determine their current Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Based on the PCI, the most cost-effective strategy for each section of street is determined and work is scheduled for the appropriate subsequent year.

Project Personnel

Jay Frederiksen from the City of River Falls Engineering Department has been assigned as the primary contact for this project. Questions regarding this project should be directed towards Jay. He may be reached at 426-3411. Questions may also be directed to the City Engineer, Reid Wronski at 426-3409.

Cooperation

Your patience and cooperation during construction will be greatly appreciated. We understand that the construction process creates a significant disruption in your scheduled daily activities. The successful completion of any project is most certainly a cooperative effort of the City of River Falls, the Contractors, and you the Citizen.

Project Tips be Alert!!

Watch for construction workers and vehicles in the construction area. Please drive slowly when in the construction zone; give the workers "THE BRAKE."  Observe warning signs for changing conditions. Please assist in keeping children away from dangerous areas and equipment.

Crack Sealing Program

The crack sealing repair is normally used on streets with a PCI between 55 and 95 (with the rating of 100 being used on a new street).

• Consists of cleaning debris out of the cracks in the pavement surface and filling the cracks with a sealant.
• Typically used for cracks less than ¾" wide.
• Prevents surface water infiltration into the pavement foundation.
• Prevents spalling and/or spreading of cracks in the pavement.
• Very successful when used in combination with a seal coat.

Access to Property

Residents may have access to their properties occasionally interrupted during construction days and on street parking may be temporarily prohibited. The contractor has been instructed to give residents notice prior to such interruptions.

Landscape Restoration

The Crack Sealing process will typically not disturb boulevard areas.

Project Personnel

Jay Frederiksen from the City of River Falls Engineering Department has been assigned as the primary contact for this project. Questions regarding this project should be directed towards Jay. He may be reached at 426-3411. Questions may also be directed to the City Engineer, Reid Wronski at 426-3409.

Cooperation

Your patience and cooperation during construction will be greatly appreciated. We understand that the construction process creates a significant disruption in your scheduled daily activities. The successful completion of any project is most certainly a cooperative effort of the City of River Falls, the Contractors, and you the Citizen.

Project Tips be Alert!!

Watch for construction workers and vehicles in the construction area. Please drive slowly when in the construction zone; give the workers "THE BRAKE." Observe warning signs for changing conditions. Please assist in keeping children away from dangerous areas and equipment.

Seal Coating Program

Seal coating is normally used on streets with a PCI between 55 and 75 (with the rating of 100 being used on a new street). Seal Coating consists of the following:

• The application of an asphaltic binder spray overlaid with crushed trap rock.
• Provides a waterproof surface seal and a skid-resistant surface to the pavement.
• Protects the pavement from the deteriorating effects of traffic, sun, wind, and water.
• Best suited for low-volume, structurally sound streets.

Access to Property

Residents may have access to their properties occasionally interrupted during construction days.

Landscape Restoration

The Seal Coating process will typically not disturb boulevard areas.

Project Personnel

Jay Frederiksen from the City of River Falls Engineering Department has been assigned as the primary contact for this project. Questions regarding this project should be directed towards Jay. He may be reached at 426-3411. Questions may also be directed to the City Engineer, Reid Wronski at 426-3409.

Cooperation

Your patience and cooperation during construction will be greatly appreciated. We understand that the construction process creates a significant disruption in your scheduled daily activities. The successful completion of any project is most certainly a cooperative effort of the City of River Falls, the Contractors, and you the Citizen.

Project Tips be Alert!!

Watch for construction workers and vehicles in the construction area. Please drive slowly when in the construction zone; give the workers "THE BRAKE." Observe warning signs for changing conditions. Please assist in keeping children away from dangerous areas and equipment.

Curb & Gutter Repair/Replacement

Curb & Gutter Repair / Replacement is coordinated with the Mill & Overlay program. Streets slated for Mill & Overlay be repaired prior to the Mill & Overlay being preformed.

• The repair of cracked, spalled, or offset curb and gutter.
• Spot repair of curb & gutter is conducted in collaboration with mill and overlay projects.
• Complete replacement of curb & gutter is factored into reconstruction projects.

Sidewalk Repair/Replacement

Sidewalk repair is performed to eliminate tripping hazards on the Public walks throughout the city. If you are aware of a walk section that presents such a hazard, please report it to the Engineering Department at 425-0900.

• The repair of cracked, spalled, or differentially-settled sidewalk slabs.
• Eliminate tripping hazards.
• Individual slab replacement is the most common solution.

Access to Property

If new concrete is placed in front of your driveway, you will need to keep off these surfaces for at least three days for light traffic and seven days for heavier traffic. The contractor has been instructed to give residents notice prior to service interruption.

Landscape Restoration

Landscape restoration for this project will be to a condition equal to or better than the existing conditions. Disturbed areas in front of private residences will be restored with seed and mulch.

Mailboxes

This project may require the relocation of some mailboxes within the construction zone. The contractor will remove the mailboxes, on an as-needed basis, and move them away from the roadway, outside the construction zone. If your mailbox is removed, the options for continued mail service are to either re-establish your mailbox at a temporary location outside of the construction zone (away from the construction area), or to request that the River Falls Post Office holds your mail for pickup. Upon project completion, all property owners are responsible for locating their mailboxes at a curbside location. The City and the contractor are not responsible for relocating mailboxes. Property owners will be responsible for reinstalling mailboxes at both their temporary and permanent locations.

Project Personnel

Jay Frederiksen from the City of River Falls Engineering Department has been assigned as the primary contact for this project. Questions regarding this project should be directed towards Jay. He may be reached at 426-3411. Questions may also be directed to the City Engineer, Reid Wronski at 426-3409.

Cooperation

Your patience and cooperation during construction will be greatly appreciated. We understand that the construction process creates a significant disruption in your scheduled daily activities. The successful completion of any project is most certainly a cooperative effort of the City of River Falls, the Contractors, and you the Citizen.

Project Tips be Alert!!

Watch for construction workers and vehicles in the construction area. Please drive slowly when in the construction zone; give the workers "THE BRAKE."  Observe warning signs for changing conditions. Please assist in keeping children away from dangerous areas and equipment.

Mill & Overlay Program

The mill and overlay repair is normally used on streets with a PCI of 65 and below (with the rating of 100 being used on a new street).

• Typically consists of a 1-1/2 inch deep mill to the outer 8 feet of both sides of the street.
• Milling aligns the existing concrete gutter flow lines with the pavement surface after the overlay.
• An application of a tack coat on the old pavement surface to create a bonding agent with the overlay.
• An overlay of 1-1/2 to 2 inches of asphalt over the entire pavement to form a smooth crown.
• The overlay restores structural capacity, skid resistance, proper drainage, and ride quality to the pavement.

Access to Property

Residents may have access to their properties occasionally interrupted during construction days. The contractor has been instructed to give residents notice prior to service interruption and to provide driveway access at the end of each construction day. However, if new concrete is placed in front of your driveway, you will need to keep off these surfaces for at least three days for light traffic and seven days for heavier traffic.

Landscape Restoration

Disturbance to landscaped areas should be limited to those area of curb, gutter and sidewalk repair only. The Mill & Overlay process will typically not disturb boulevard areas.

Project Personnel

Jay Frederiksen from the City of River Falls Engineering Department has been assigned as the primary contact for this project. Questions regarding this project should be directed towards Jay. He may be reached at 426-3411. Questions may also be directed to the City Engineer, Reid Wronski at 426-3409.

Cooperation

Your patience and cooperation during construction will be greatly appreciated. We understand that the construction process creates a significant disruption in your scheduled daily activities. The successful completion of any project is most certainly a cooperative effort of the City of River Falls, the Contractors, and you the Citizen.

Project Tips be Alert!!

 

Lake George Project History/Summary

In 1991, the City of River Falls, in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR, UW-RF, and Trout Unlimited began drafting a Watershed Management Plan for the Kinnickinnic River and Its Tributaries with a single objective:

"To aid in preparation of an action plan to minimize adverse water quality impacts from existing and future storm water discharges to the Kinnickinnic River."

The Plan was completed and adopted by the City of River Falls in 1995. This "action plan" identified river water quality issues associated with Lake George and the highly impervious watersheds in the down-town River Falls area. In 1996, UW-RF prepared a Lake George Management Plan for the City. This plan considered four alternatives:

• I. Do Nothing Option
• II. Dam Removal
• III. Complete Dredging
• IV. Constructed Artificial Wetland/ Stream Channeling

This study concluded that: After extensive study, considerable discussion with DNR personnel and others, Alternative IV is the recommended alternative as a management plan for Lake George, however, no scientific studies or modeling were conducted to determine the practicality or feasibility of this alternative.

In 2002, a grant was obtained from the DNR to help fund a scientific study of reconfiguring Lake Georgeto enhance water quality of the Kinnickinnic River. The scope of this project was to analyze options for reconfiguring Lake George to provide improved storm water management of runoff from the highly-impervious downtown area of the City of River Falls. Only reconfiguration concepts that were viable with or without the dam in place were considered.

Bonestroo and Associates were retained for this project. Two models were developed to aid in technical evaluation of various alternatives. A thermal model for the river helps quantify the thermal impacts of various management alternatives, and an urban runoff model helps quantify total suspended solids loads to the river. In addition a 7-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and an 11-member Stakeholder Committee helped provide guidance for this project. These groups held 14 meetings between March 2003 and December 2004 to guide the development of this plan.

The critical elements endorsed by the TAC and Stakeholders Committee are as follows:

1. Reconfigure Lake George into a multi-cell system separated from the river during base flow and small to moderate runoff events.
2. Construct the east interceptor (which includes capturing runoff from Econo Foods) as well as the first phase of the north interceptor up to Walnut Street.
3. Extend the north interceptor as opportunities arise, such as during downtown redevelopment projects or road/alley reconstruction.
4. Construct one or more "end-of-pipe" projects designed to infiltrate runoff on existing City-owned land, such as in Heritage Park on the west side of the river.
5. Concentrate on one (or several) storm drainage sewershed to work with private property owners to find suitable sites for, and install, small scale stormwater treatment features such as rainwater gardens. These efforts could focus on parts of the study area where diverting runoff to a reconfigured Lake George for treatment is not feasible (such as the west side neighborhoods), end-of-the-pipe treatment strategies may not be practical, or neighborhood interest and cooperation may be very high.
6. Develop and execute a public education program aimed at building understanding of and support for the overall management strategy and its various components among the general public as well as the business community.

On August 30, 2005, the Final Report of the Lake George Area Storm Water Treatment Concept Plan was presented to Stakeholders, TAC, Park Board, Plan Commission, and City Council. The Plan was well received by all in attendance, and City staff was encouraged to pursue funding opportunities for implementing the Plan.

Because storm water flowing to Lake George from the Westside neighborhoods cannot be routed through a reconfigured Lake George, the TAC and Stakeholders recommended small-scale/small site watershed management strategies such as rain gardens and infiltration trenches be implemented in the Westside neighborhood. In 2006 the City, in conjunction with TU, KRLT, and Priority Watershed, have targeted a stormsewershed to implement these small scale practices. We have met with residents as well as hired a consultant to design City projects within the right of way. Preliminarily, 4 households will be implementing recommended projects on their property to treat roof and driveway runoff and the City will be constructing 5 projects within the public right of way to capture street and alley runoff. These projects will likely be constructed in 2007.

Of the six critical elements endorsed by the TAC and Stakeholders Committee, elements 4-6 are currently being pursued through a combination of local and Priority Watershed funding. Funding necessary to implement elements 1-2 has not been secured. The EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant Program has been the only grant funding identified to date that may help make full implementation all six critical elements endorsed by the TAC and Stakeholders Committee a reality.

On August 28, 2007, the City of River Falls was officially notified by the EPA that our application for a Targeted Watersheds Grant was rejected.

• EPA Grant Rejection Letter
• Targeted Watersheds Grant Website

2005 Lake George Area Storm Water Treatment Concept Plan

Report

Please be aware of large file sizes. These files (in particular the final report) may take considerable time to download, based on internet connection speed.

Executive Summary (1,052 KB)

Final Report with Executive Summary (20,628 KB)

• Appendix A - List of References (71 KB)
• Appendix B - List of Committee Members (11 KB)
• Appendix C - USCOE Report on Thermal Model (1,053 KB)
• Appendix D - Evaluation of Watershed BMPs (38 KB)
• Appendix E - Detailed description of proposed BMPs (28 KB)
• Appendix F - Lake George reconfiguration alternatives with schematics (3,504 KB)
• Appendix G - Planning Level Cost Estimate (16 KB)
• Appendix H - Summary of Final Stakeholder Meeting (34 KB)