Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the project cost and who is paying for it?
The total project costs are estimated at $24.81 million dollars, of which 80% would be federal and 20% City of Bellevue. Breaking the project up into the two phases results in an estimated $14.9 million for Phase 1 and $9.91 million for Phase 2. Property owners would not be assessed any cost.
Why has this taken so long?
This project requires the use of federal funding and is subject to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The NEPA process is now complete and final design is in process. Right-of-way will follow in late 2018, and construction anticipated to begin in 2020.
When is the City going to widen Capehart?
The City has a design project underway for the improvements on Capehart Road east of 36th Street to 25th Street. No specific timeline for construction has been identified at this time.
Design
Where is the overhead power going? Will it be buried?
Power lines would be relocated in the proposed right-of-way. The overhead power lines will remain overhead, and are planned for relocation in 2020.
Is there impact to the graves / cemetery?
We have designed the proposed improvements to minimize impacts to the cemetery. Retaining walls would also be constructed such that no graves would be disturbed as a result of construction. The southern driveway would be realigned to the south to avoid impacts as well.
What is the speed limit going to be?
The recommended posted speed limit would be between 35 and 45 mph. The City of Bellevue would make the final determination for speed limits along the 36th Street corridor.
What will happen to my septic system?
The proposed improvements would impact only the septic system at Anderson Grove Church. The City would connect this to the public sanitary sewer system.
What are you doing to the park?
Leawood Oaks Park would have minor impacts in order to construct retaining walls and storm sewer improvements. Access to the park would not be impacted during construction.
Will there be street lighting?
Yes - the proposed improvements include street lighting.
Why 3-lane south of Capehart, not 4-lane? Why didn’t it go clear to Platteview?
A traffic analysis study was conducted to evaluate existing and future traffic volumes along the corridor. That analysis determined the volumes south of Capehart Road drop significantly, such that a 3-lane roadway can sufficiently handle the traffic.
How much right-of-way will be needed?
In general, the roadway improvements would fit within 100 feet of right-of-way, which is typically 50 feet on either side of the roadway centerline. Several locations already have the required 50 feet, and in others, an additional 17 feet may need to be acquired. Some locations may require permanent easement to maintain retaining walls or drainage structures. In nearly all instances, temporary construction easements would be required to construct the proposed improvements.
How do I turn left from my driveway?
For those with direct access driveways to 36th Street in the area of the raised medians, you would no longer be able to make left-turns from or into your driveways. In order to make the equivalent movement, one would need to make a right-turn and find an alternative route, or make a legal U-turn.
Construction
How will access to the school be managed during construction?
Through traffic would be maintained using temporary road widening, and access to neighborhoods will be maintained during construction activities by alternating street closures, or by constructing half at a time.
How long will the road be under construction?
Construction of Phase 1 is anticipated to last two construction seasons, with the intent to break up the project into two segments generally north and south of Capehart Road.
Where will I park during my driveway construction?
Some residences on 36th Street and side streets could lose direct access during driveway reconstruction. This restriction would be short-term (up to 2 weeks) and alternative access or parking accommodations would be made in the same neighborhood, up to two blocks away. Coordination with properties losing access would occur prior to the work commencing and special access needs would be dealt with on a case by case basis.
What about my trash, mailbox, emergency vehicles?
Access for emergency response would be coordinated throughout the project. Trash and recycling service would remain in effect during construction. During construction, residents directly impacted by construction would place their containers in their driveways on regular collection day. The Contractor would be responsible for transporting the containers to a designated collection zone and returning to them to each respective property. Mail delivery will be coordinated with the USPS and may require temporary relocation of mailboxes.