Deteriorating curb is not an issue unique to Lee’s Summit. Cities across the metropolitan area are also grappling with this issue. From the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, when Lee’s Summit and other cities were experiencing rapid residential growth, more than 550 miles of curb were constructed using concrete containing a soft limestone aggregate. While the aggregate still met local specifications and worked well for buildings, foundations and most structures, curb constructed with this type of aggregate are susceptible to a process called d-cracking. The aggregate in the concrete absorbs water, and the concrete cracks when the contained water freezes. Over time, the concrete disintegrates from the inside out. 

While most concrete curb should last a minimum of 30 years, curb constructed during the late 1980s to early 2000s has a much shorter lifespan of 10 years or less. In 2005, the City of Lee’s Summit responded to this issue by adopting new construction specifications requiring durable, non-limestone aggregates like granite and quartz to be used in concrete to prevent this from happening again. In 2010, voters approved a $9.76 million general obligation bond issue to replace 543,000 linear feet of curb. Still, that program only funded 20-30% of the repairs needed. The City continues to fund curb replacement through its Annual Curb program in conjunction with overlay, and with spot repairs/replacement as needed. In December 2015, the City Council approved $3.3 million for the Arterial Curb Replacement program which focuses on the replacement of curbs on six major arterial streets that are severely deteriorated due to d-cracking. 

The curb that is being replaced is experiencing d-cracking. The d-cracking process occurs from the inside out. The concrete will eventually begin to pop out, which can create large holes from six to twelve inches deep in the curb and gutter. Some, but not all, of the curb being replaced have concrete that is popping out. This is a safety concern, particularly on arterial streets that have high traffic volumes traveling at high speeds. Holes in the concrete also allow water to seep through to the road subgrade, which can eventually lead to costly road failures. Ideally, the deteriorated curb should be replaced before it creates safety concerns or street failures. Unfortunately, there are many miles of curb throughout the City that continue to deteriorate. 

If the curb is located on a public street, then it is likely maintained by the City. Most residential streets in Lee's Summit are public streets, however, some are not. To check if your street is public, please contact the City’s Public Works Department at 816-969-1800 or publicworks@cityofls.net. A supervisor will be dispatched to take a look at your curb and evaluate it for a spot repair or replacement.

The Public Works Department will notify residents with a postcard two to four weeks before their curb will be replaced. The residents will then be notified one to two days before construction begins with a door hanger from the contractor containing project details, such as dates of construction and a contractor phone number. 

You will be unable to access your driveway for three to five days when the curb is being replaced to allow the concrete to cure long enough to withstand the weight of vehicles.  Your vehicles should be out of the driveway before 7 a.m. on the date shown on the door hanger. If it rains that day, the work will generally begin the next work day, weather permitting. 

In most cases, cars can be parked on the street opposite the curb to be replaced. If you live near a corner or on a cul-de-sac, you may have to park around the corner. If you have specific questions, please call the phone number shown on the door hanger. You may also speak directly to the City inspector on site. Remember to abide by no parking signs and to be careful not to block driveways. 

Privately owned sprinkler systems placed in the right-of-way are there at the owner's risk. City ordinances require private property owners to obtain a permit to place irrigation systems in the public right-of-way (ROW). Part of the permit is a hold harmless agreement stating that the  City will not be held liable for any damages to items installed in the right of way. More information about this permit can be found here or by calling the Planning & Codes Administration Department at (816) 969-1200.

The Public Works Department recommends private property owners mark all sprinkler system parts ahead of curb replacement; however, marking the system does not guarantee the system will not be damaged. The only way to guarantee no damage is to remove the system from the ROW. In addition to curb replacement, many of the sidewalk ramps are also rebuilt to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. It is recommended that sprinkler systems be removed from these areas as well. 

If you have questions regarding the work currently being done by the contractor, call the phone number on the door hanger. That is the contractor's number and will get the fastest response. As an alternate, you may call the City’s Public Works Department at (816) 969-1800 or submit an email to publicworks@cityofls.net. 

Report curb problems, or ask specific questions, to the City’s Public Works Department at (816) 969-1800 or send an email to publicworks@cityofls.net. 

Public Works will mail postcards to neighborhood areas about two weeks before work will commence. Some parts of the neighborhood may take up to four weeks to have the curb replaced because of construction phasing requirements. This advance notice will allow residents to remove, relocate, mark or protect privately owned items (such as landscaping, sprinkler systems or underground wires) that are within 11 feet of the curb.

The contractor will follow up by placing door hangers on properties that will have curb removed one to two days before work takes place. Door hangers will only be placed on the properties that will not have access to their driveways because of the removed curb. The door hangers explain in more detail the construction process, timelines and contact phone numbers. 

The City has several ongoing maintenance programs. These include annual street resurfacing (overlay), slurry seal, crack sealing and curb replacement.

In addition, private utilities such as gas, electric, internet, etc. may have requested locates before beginning utility work. Contact the City’s Public Works Department at (816) 969-1800 or email us at publicworks@cityofls.net for specific questions.