Kings Way repair options debated; committee directs staff to seek alternate bids and outreach

The Germantown Public Works/Highways Committee reviewed options to address frequent ponding and poor longitudinal slope on Kings Way and directed staff to proceed with bid documents that include alternate pricing so the work can move forward while allowing time for resident outreach.

Staff described two main options: (1) reconstruct the roadway and add storm sewer and additional catch basins — an approach estimated to cost roughly $100,000 more than the budgeted amount for that segment — or (2) deconstruct the frontage road, replat the affected parcels and extend private driveways to achieve roughly a 2% slope toward the mainline, which would reduce some storm-sewer work but shift impacts to property owners.

Committee members expressed differing priorities: several favored getting the project done to avoid further pavement deterioration and supported eliminating the frontage road for long-term maintenance savings, while others cautioned about homeowner impacts (driveway length increases of roughly 35–50 feet were discussed) and the need for public meetings and HOA coordination. Staff recommended an alternate-bid approach so contractors submit prices for both configurations and staff can proceed without delaying the overall road program.

The committee asked staff to schedule outreach with the five affected property owners and to include alternates in the bid package so the village can award the contract on schedule if sufficient cooperation is secured; staff said that approach preserves the project timeline while allowing for public input.