Janesville, WI
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New Street Construction
New streets may be constructed after the installation of sewer, water, and storm sewer mains in new developments as outlined in applicable City Council Policies and negotiated in Memorandums of Understanding, following approval of the City Council. Several delivery options are available for developers. Additional information is available and other requirements may apply depending on the type of construction delivery method supporting the new development. Contact the City Engineering Division at (608) 755-3160.
Sewer & Water Construction in New Developments
Sewer and water mains may be extended to serve new developments following the approval of the City Council. Although certain City Council Policies outline standard procedures, unique terms may be negotiated and outlined using a Memorandum of Understanding, which requires City Council approval. Contact the City Engineering Division at (608) 755-3160 with specific questions.
Notices to Property Owners
Property owners adjacent to new street construction projects are notified of the work and any related assessments and are invited to a public hearing to speak for or against a project and the special assessments. Following the public hearing, the City Council will vote whether or not to approve the project. For additional information or questions, please contact the Engineering Division at (608) 755-3160.
Street Rehabilitation
About City Street Rehabilitation
Each year the City rehabilitates approximately 12 miles of the City's approximately 350 miles of paved streets. Current pavement condition ratings help the Engineering Division determine which streets need rehabilitation, based on the type, amount, and severity of pavement distresses. Generally, two common techniques are used to rehabilitate city streets. These are resurfacing of asphalt or concrete pavement and major rehabilitation or pavement reconstruction.
Types of Street Rehabilitation
Resurfacing is the most common and effective way of rehabilitating most asphalt and some concrete pavements. It involves curb and gutter repair, grinding and removal of a portion of the existing asphalt or concrete pavement surface, followed by the placement of new asphalt surface.
Sometimes, resurfacing a street is neither practical nor cost-effective because of the level of deterioration. In such cases, these streets need reconstruction, the most expensive form of rehabilitation. Reconstruction usually involves replacing the existing pavement and base. Because of its cost, the City continuously tries to find funding assistance from the State to pay for streets needing reconstruction. For example, Milwaukee Street downtown was recently reconstructed with 80% State/Federal funding. Ruger Avenue from S. Randall Avenue to S. Lexington Avenue will be reconstructed in 2026 with 80% State/Federal funding and Mt. Zion Avenue from Milton Avenue to N. Pontiac Drive will be reconstructed in 2026 using 50% State funding.
Street Rehabilitation Selection
The Engineering Division evaluates all city streets every odd numbered year. Street segments are given a rating based on the pavement condition. These ratings provide a good starting point for the selection of streets for the annual street rehabilitation program. Major street rehabilitation typically includes intermittent curb and gutter repair or total curb and gutter replacement, followed by rehabilitation of the street through resurfacing or reconstruction. According to City Council policy, the City pays for 100% of the cost of the curb and gutter repairs and pavement (street) rehabilitation work when completed as part of the annual program.
Avoid Cutting New Pavement
The City takes steps to avoid cutting into newly rehabilitated streets. Private utility companies such as gas, telephone and cable are informed which streets will be rehabilitated to assist them in their construction planning. They must receive authorization from the City Engineer before cutting into a city street. Generally, utilities are not allowed to make street cuts for 5 years after a street is resurfaced or reconstructed.
Before street work, efforts are made to repair, install or upgrade underground utilities to avoid cutting into newly rehabilitated streets. For example, television cameras attached to cables are guided through underground sanitary sewer mains before street work to identify using video where sewer repairs are needed. Unfortunately, unanticipated connection needs and random failures in public and private utilities are sometimes unavoidable and the only way to make repairs is to dig into the street.
Street Rehabilitation Projects
Street rehabilitation activities are expected to begin in mid to late March at various locations throughout the City. Work is expected to progress across the City and continue throughout the summer and the early part of Fall.
You can view a map and list of the streets currently programmed for reconstruction/resurfacing on the Annual Street Rehabilition Program page.
Press Releases
Press releases will be issued approximately one week prior to construction activities beginning.
Notices to Property Owners
Property owners within the limits of a street rehabilitation project are notified of the work and any related defective sidewalk replacement assessments. For additional information or questions, please contact the Engineering Division at (608) 755-3160.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you patch a pothole for me?
To report a pothole, please fill out the short form located on the City's website at www.janesvillewi.gov/potholes or call the City Services Center at (608) 755-3110 weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and give the address or location of the pothole. A pothole patch will typically be completed within 1 to 3 days.
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