Kansas City Steps Up Sidewalk Safety with Concrete Shaving
Hey there, Kansas City! Have you ever tripped on a sidewalk and thought, “Why is this such a hazard?” Well, you’re not alone. Good news is here—our city is doing something about it! Thanks to the GOKC Sidewalk Program and a $150 million fund from a bond that we, the voters, approved back in April 2017, the days of dodging those pesky trip hazards are numbered!
What is Concrete Shaving?
You might be wondering, what exactly is concrete shaving? This nifty technique, also known as beveling, is all about fixing those uneven sidewalk panels that stick up way too high—often one to two inches or even more! This isn’t due to just the average wear and tear, but those sneaky tree roots that have been causing the problems since the 1960s. Pin oak roots, in particular, have created some sidewalk panels that have heaved up as much as six inches! Yikes!
Keeping It Safe & ADA Compliant
The goal of these sidewalk repairs isn’t just to make them look pretty—it’s about making sure all walkways comply with ADA standards. This means making sure they are safe and accessible for everyone, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. A recent push to improve accessibility began a few years ago and is now seeing a new phase thanks to this street-saving technique.
The Process Behind the Magic
So, how does this concrete shaving magic work? First off, survey crews come in and measure the sidewalk panels that need attention. They mark them with numbers and log everything carefully to keep track of what needs to be done. Then, talented workers use a horizontal saw to grind down the raised areas, while fancy electric-powered carts suck up the dust like little vacuum cleaners!
Mitchell Suppes, the general manager at Precision Concrete Cutting, explained it nicely: “The process saves the city considerable money and allows more neighborhoods to be shaved.” Can you believe it? The cost savings range from a whopping 70 to 90 percent compared to simply tearing out the existing sidewalk and pouring new concrete! Instead of fixing up just two neighborhoods at a time, they can tackle three or even four! Way to go, Kansas City!
Impact on Our Neighborhoods
With this smart approach, local neighborhoods are getting the makeover they desperately need. So if you see some workers out there with their saws and high-tech equipment, they’re not just making noise—they’re transforming our city into a safer, more accessible place to stroll, run, or ride your bike.
What’s Next?
The current contract that Precision Concrete Cutting has with the city is set to run through November, so expect to see a lot of action on those sidewalks in the coming weeks! It’s so exciting to think that with these improvements, we can all walk a little easier and safer around town.
As always, it’s important to stay informed and keep your eyes peeled for future updates on these projects. After all, every little step counts when it comes to our lovely city’s safety and accessibility!
So next time you’re out for a walk in Kansas City, take a moment to appreciate the hard work being done behind the scenes to make our sidewalks safer. Here’s to smoother strolls and safer steps ahead!
