Learn about how streets are chosen for construction, what to expect during City construction projects, and information about alley construction. 

How Streets are Chosen for Construction

Every other year, all streets in the City are evaluated with a PASER (Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating) rating on a scale of one to 10 where a one is a street in poor condition and a 10 is a street in great condition. These ratings are submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). This helps WisDOT understand the condition of the pavement and helps the City prioritize which roads need the most attention.

The Engineering Department examines segments of pavement with the lowest ratings, but they also consider several factors

• The age and condition of the underground infrastructure like sanitary sewers, storm sewers and water mains under the road.

• Feedback and complaints from residents about road conditions.

• Any on-going construction projects nearby, especially if residents have already paid special assessments for work on their streets.

• Potential traffic disruptions from WisDOT or utility projects that will cause traffic backups. 

• Trying to distribute projects evenly across the City. 

• An existing concrete road can be resurfaced in asphalt to lengthen its life, which is cost-saving over a complete replacement.

  If asphalt overlay has been done before, an older road might need a complete replacement.

The City publishes a five-year plan for road projects. Projects aren't guaranteed until the Common Council approves it after a public hearing. The plan is flexible based upon the above criteria and other factors like development in the area. The plan is reviewed and adjusted annually. The annual budget for construction projects is developed in the summer, voted on by the Common Council in the fall and implemented the following year. 

What to Expect for City Construction Projects

Each individual construction project has special conditions that must be taken into account, but projects typically follow these phases

• Pre-Construction Phase

  • The City's survey crew records existing conditions of the roadway several months in advance of the construction work and gives it to the design crew.

  • The design crew designs necessary utilities that will be under the road, the new roadway and any traffic calming measures. 

  • Forestry crews trip and/or remove any tress that may be in the way of construction. The City tries to save as many trees as possible as they are a valuable attribute of the City. 

  • The City puts the proposed construction project out to bid. Bids are solicited from various private contractors that have the necessary skills, equipment and past work history to perform the desired work. Of the bids received, the lowest priced and qualified bidder is selected to perform the work.

• Construction Phase

  • Survey - One to two weeks before the contracted begins work, the City's survey crew starts to layout the construction with wooden stakes, white and pink paint and sidewalk markings to allow the contractor to put the proposed utilities and roadway in the desired location. 

  • Notifications - One week before construction begins, a letter is sent to all properties that will be affected by the construction to inform residents about the work that will be done and how it will affect them. 

  • Underground Utilities - Sanitary sewer, water main and storm sewers are installed by a subcontractor that specializes in underground utility construction.

  • Roadway - Construction involves large amounts of heavy equipment. Noise may start as early as 7 a.m. (per West Allis Noise Ordinance). A typical construction site is noisy, dusty, dirty and an inconvenience to residents. There may be days when water will be shut off during the day. Street lights may not function in the evenings. All of this is normal and must happen so that the work can be done as quickly as possible. 

  • Landscaping - When construction is nearly complete, barricades are removed, and the roadway is reopened to traffic. New sod will be placed in grass areas, and the site will be cleaned.

  • Quality Control - When the work is done, the City representative performs a final inspection itemizing any work that the contractor must perform to satisfy the City. 

The rebuilding of a road and underground utilities is a major undertaking. This type of construction takes months of advanced planning to accomplish. Our team strives to design and build everything to the highest standard with the lowest possible cost to the City. The Engineering Department and the on-site representative represents the City of West Allis and all its residents throughout the entire construction process. Construction is temporary, but a new road is a lasting asset to the adjacent properties and the City. 

What to Expect for Alley Reconstruction

Each individual alley construction project has special requirements and circumstances that must be taken into account.

The contractor has 25 working days to reconstruct the alley. Working days are weekdays where the weather allows them to work. They are allowed but not required to work evenings and weekends. 

Construction will take at least five weeks if weather is good. If the weather is poor, it may take up to eight weeks to complete the alley. The City regulates time once underground utility work has begun. 

The numerous constructions stages include underground utility replacement, removals, excavation, grading, paving and landscaping.

• Pre-Construction Phase

  • The alley will be staked, and the pavement will be marked with paint. Paint indicates where pavement will be sawed and removed. 

  • A sawing company will saw marked approach pavement as well as a trench in the center of the alley for underground utilities. The alley will remain open to traffic during sawing. 

• Construction Phase

  • Underground Utilities - storm sewer and underdrain is installed by a subcontractor that specializes in underground utility construction. Residents will receive notice 24 hours before the work begins. Work hours are typically 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Retaining Walls and Landscaping - contact the inspector before the alley reconstruction begins to discuss any concerns about wall or landscaping impacts

  • Removals, Excavation and Grading - the existing alley will be removed. A contractor will notify the residents before removal. Residents will be required to park in the street. Garbage and recycling carts should be placed in the road instead of the alley during this time. The alley will be barricaded until it's open. Do not drive on the alley until the barricades have been removed. 

  • Alley Pavement and Approaches - The contractor will set forms in the alley prior to paving concrete. Concrete requires about seven days to cure and gain strength. It will crack if it's used too soon. A contractor will place permeable pavers in the center of the alley so water drains to this area. If required, the property owner approaches will be installed. Special assessment cost is only for the alley pavement. The contractor is not responsible for cracks at a resident's approach due to a vehicle accessing the approach before the concrete is cured. 

  • Sod - sod and soil are placed after the alley is open to traffic when weather is favorable. The contractor will water for 21 days, and after that, the sod becomes the owner's responsibility. Watering is very important for the survival of the sod.

  • Property Damage and Parking Tickets - occasionally the contractor does damage to a resident's property during construction. If this occurs, please contact the inspector. The inspector will compare before and after documentation and file a report to submit to the contractor's insurance company. The contractor does not receive full payment for work until the damages are resolved. If a resident receives a parking ticket while there is no access to their alley, please contact the inspector. The Engineering Department will contact the Police Department to waive the ticket.