The problem
The Watchdog
The Watchdog | The case of the shifting street
January 23
The first time Phil Walker of Kearney drove on the stretch of North Oak Trafficway between 86th Terrace and 91st Street in Kansas City, the drive was so bumpy, he thought he had a flat tire.
Every time he drives down that way, he said, he sees someone stopped by the side of the road, checking for a flat tire. Walker wants to know if anyone is planning to smooth out the road surface.
The answer
Sean Demory, spokesman for the Kansas City Public Works Department, said the city is aware of the issue, but it might be a while before it is able to do anything about it.
The city is evaluating the problem, which Demory said is caused by concrete panels in the road shifting.
“The appropriate sequence of corrective measures would be to stabilize the concrete panels and overlay as appropriate,” Demory said.
Demory said the city will make the repair if there is extra funding.
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