News Summary
Shawnee is temporarily closing Monticello Road at 60th Street from August 4 to August 8 for urgent stormwater pipe repairs to prevent sinkholes. The area, problematic near Mill Valley High School, has suffered from a 10-foot deep sinkhole caused by a failing underground stormwater pipe. Immediate repairs will replace corrugated metal pipes with reinforced concrete to ensure long-term durability. The city allocated $2 million for infrastructure repairs, and detours will be in place during this period, with no disruptions to school operations expected.
Shawnee will temporarily close Monticello Road at 60th Street from August 4 to August 8 for emergency repairs on stormwater pipes. This closure is a short-term measure to address urgent issues that pose a risk of sinkholes, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, especially in July. A full-scale closure for comprehensive repairs is set to take place in September.
City spokesperson Doug Donahoo indicated that the immediate repairs are essential due to the potential risks associated with the current stormwater system. The area near Mill Valley High School has been problematic, with roadway plates currently in place over the damaged spot. The repairs are intended to prevent further deterioration of Monticello Road, avoiding a more serious emergency closure.
A significant cause for concern is the 10-foot deep sinkhole reported on the Mill Valley High School campus, created by the failure of an underground stormwater pipe. This specific pipe is a 69-inch by 96-inch corrugated metal arch pipe that has been in use since its installation in 1999. The city’s stormwater system contains around half corrugated metal pipes, most of which have exceeded their expected lifespan of 20-30 years. The city has ongoing plans to gradually replace these pipes with more durable materials.
To ensure long-term solutions, the emergency repairs will involve replacing the existing corrugated pipes with reinforced concrete pipes, which are expected to last up to 100 years. This transition not only promises increased longevity but also aims to mitigate the risks associated with deteriorating infrastructures.
The emergency repairs are being facilitated by funding from a bond issue approved by voters in 2023, sourced through the Parks and Pipes sales tax. The Shawnee City Council has approved a budget of $2 million for the overall necessary repairs to the sinkhole and stormwater infrastructure, which includes $995,000 allocated for high-quality materials such as a reinforced concrete box and a geopolymer lining.
During the road closure, drivers will be directed through marked detours along Shawnee Mission Parkway, Woodland Drive, and Johnson Drive. Neighbors, especially those near the school, are hopeful for a swift resolution to the repairs as the school year approaches and classes are scheduled to start soon. Fortunately, no disruptions to Mill Valley High School operations are anticipated because of the ongoing repairs, and no injuries have been reported as a result of the sinkhole incident. The De Soto School District has expressed satisfaction with the city’s plans for repair.
The projected timeline for the full-scale repair project is estimated at four months, with urgency emphasized to complete it before the school year kicks off. The city’s Public Works Department will oversee the immediate repairs, starting as soon as City Council approval is secured.
This proactive approach by the city of Shawnee reflects its commitment to maintaining the safety and reliability of its infrastructure while addressing emergent issues that impact local residents and institutions.
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Additional Resources
- KSHB: Emergency Repairs Near Mill Valley High School
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole
- Johnson County Post: Shawnee Approves Sinkhole Repair
- Google Search: Road Infrastructure Repair
- KMBC: Tornadoes in Johnson County
- Google Scholar: Stormwater Management
- Johnson County Post: Shawnee Development Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Repairs Infrastructure
- Johnson County Post: EV Charging Stations
- Google News: Infrastructure Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
