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.

Street Rehabilitation 

About City Street Rehabilitation

Each year the City rehabilitates approximately 12 miles of the 332 miles of paved streets. Current surveys of pavement distresses helps the Engineering Division determine which streets need rehabilitation, based on the 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, followed by the placement of new asphalt pavement.

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, River Street from West Court Street to West Racine Street was reconstructed in the 2013 construction season, with 80% State/Federal funding.  Austin Road from W. Court Street to Mineral Point Avenue will be reconstructed in 2017 with 80% State/Federal 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.  The City Council reviews all street and special assessments following a public hearing.  According to City Council's policy, the City pays for 100% of the cost of any necessary curb and gutter repair and pavement (street) work.

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 after a street is resurfaced.

Before street work, efforts are made to repair, install or upgrade underground utilities to avoid cutting into newly resurfaced streets. For example, television cameras attached to cables are guided through underground sanitary sewer mains before street work to identify where sewer repairs are needed. Unfortunately, unanticipated connection needs and random failures in public and private utilities are unavoidable. Sometimes the only way to make repairs is to dig into the street.

Street Rehabilitation Projects

Street rehabilitation activities are expected to begin in late March at various locations throughout the City. Work is expected to progress across the city and continue throughout the summer.

You can view a map and list of current streets proposed for reconstruction/resurfacing on the Project Information 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 special assessments and are invited to a public hearing to speak for or against a project and related special assessment.  Following the public hearing, the City Council will vote whether or not to approve the project.  For additional information, suggestions 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 for a foreman to check out.  A pothole patch can usually be accomplished within 24 hours, but could take 2 to 3 days.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer