Background/Discussion
West Graham Avenue is in need of reconstruction. The project extends 1,540 feet in length, from High Street to Fairmount Avenue. This street segment is a boulevard with a 30-foot wide raised median with trees, located within an existing right-of-way of 100-feet. West Graham extends east – west with a single lane of travel in each direction and parallel parking allowed along the outside curbs in most locations. It is a residential area with houses fronting the street, with the majority having individual driveways. West Graham is a collector roadway that serves as a connection to East Graham and S. 1st Street.
It is likely that the original construction of West Graham Avenue dates to 1907, the same time Fairmount Avenue was constructed. The roadway and utilities are old, in poor condition, and are due for replacement.
The project will include new street pavement and sidewalks, drainage improvements, and new sanitary sewers. The Council Bluffs Water Works will replace their water main as part of the project and Black Hills Energy replaced the gas facilities this past fall.
A previous agreement was signed on November 1, 2024. The addendum agreement increases funding in STBG funds from $2,405,000 to 2,905,000 to better match the estimated construction costs. The Federal-aid project was included in the FY25 CIP and includes a budget $1,250,000 in Local Option Sales Tax funds.
The project is scheduled for a March 2025 letting.