Shawnee, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Shawnee has announced a temporary closure of Monticello Road for emergency stormwater repairs from August 4 to August 8. This intervention aims to prevent sinkhole risks and upgrade failing stormwater infrastructure before a full closure takes place in September. The city will replace aging pipes with reinforced concrete, expected to enhance stability. Local residents, particularly near Mill Valley High School, are concerned but are assured that school operations will not be impacted during repairs.
Shawnee to Temporarily Close Monticello Road for Emergency Stormwater Repairs Ahead of Full Closure in September
Shawnee officials have announced a temporary closure of Monticello Road at 60th Street from August 4 to August 8 to conduct emergency repairs to a failing stormwater pipe. These repairs are seen as a necessary short-term solution before a full-scale closure is executed in September to address the problem more comprehensively.
According to city spokesperson Doug Donahoo, the repairs are critical to mitigate the risk of potential sinkholes, an issue that has grown increasingly concerning due to heavy rains in July. Local residents and officials are apprehensive about the threat of additional sinkholes, particularly following the discovery of a 10-foot deep sinkhole on the campus of Mill Valley High School, which was exacerbated by a failed underground stormwater pipe.
Current Situation with Monticello Road
The area near Mill Valley High School is currently covered with roadway plates to manage the damage caused by the deteriorating stormwater pipes. The city has identified that the existing corrugated stormwater pipes, which have been in place since 1999, have reached the end of their operational lifespan of 20-30 years. In fact, the specific pipe that failed was a 69-inch by 96-inch corrugated metal arch pipe.
To prevent further deterioration of Monticello Road—and to avoid more severe and costly emergency closures—the city plans to replace the old pipes with reinforced concrete pipes that are anticipated to last up to 100 years. The improvements are expected to significantly enhance the overall stability of the stormwater system, which currently relies on about half corrugated metal pipes.
Funding and Repairs
The emergency repairs are funded by a bond issue that was approved by voters in 2023 through the Parks and Pipes sales tax. The Shawnee City Council has allocated a budget of $2 million specifically for addressing the necessary repairs to the sinkhole and the stormwater system. This budget includes almost $1 million for geopolymer lining, which is a technology intended to extend the lifespan of the new infrastructure.
City officials anticipate that the repairs will take approximately four months to complete, with a concerted effort to finish before the start of the school year, which is rapidly approaching. While the repairs are ongoing, detours will be clearly marked along Shawnee Mission Parkway, Woodland Drive, and Johnson Drive to reroute traffic effectively.
Impact on Local Community
Local residents, particularly those connected to Mill Valley High School, are eager for swift action due to the upcoming school year, with the city assuring that school operations will not be impacted during the repair work. The De Soto School District has expressed satisfaction with the city’s repair plans, and thus far, there have been no reported injuries linked to the sinkhole issues.
In summary, the situation surrounding Monticello Road highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and stormwater management to safeguard against natural disasters, which have proven both dangerous and disruptive for this Shawnee community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates will Monticello Road be closed?
Monticello Road will be closed from August 4 to August 8 for emergency stormwater repairs.
Why are repairs being conducted?
The repairs are essential to prevent potential sinkholes and to upgrade the aging stormwater infrastructure, which has reached the end of its estimated lifespan.
How will this closure affect traffic?
Detours will be marked along Shawnee Mission Parkway, Woodland Drive, and Johnson Drive to manage traffic effectively during the closures.
When will full repairs be completed?
The city anticipates that the full repairs will take approximately four months to complete.
Have there been any injuries related to the sinkhole?
As of now, there have been no injuries reported due to the sinkhole or related issues.
Key Features of the Stormwater Repair Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Dates | August 4 – August 8 |
| Full Repair Budget | $2 million |
| Pipe Replacement | Reinforced concrete pipes |
| Current Pipe Type | Corrugated metal pipes |
| Projected Repair Time | Four months |
| Detour Routes | Shawnee Mission Parkway, Woodland Drive, Johnson Drive |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
