Jenks Main Street Project: An Update from Councilor John Brown

The City of Jenks is making progress on its Main Street Improvement Project, a topic of much interest among citizens. In a recent "Ask Jenks" episode, City Councilor John Brown provided a detailed update, clarifying the project's scope and outlining the significant work already completed, as well as what residents can expect in the coming weeks.

Meet Councilor John Brown

For those who might not know, Councilor John Brown represents Ward 1, which covers the area from the river to Elwood and from the turnpike all the way to the northern part of Jenks. He's been a resident of Jenks since 1988 and has served on the City Council for just over a year. Before joining the Council, he spent eight years on the Planning Commission, showing his long-standing commitment to the community.

Understanding the Main Street Project

There's been some talk about the Main Street project, and Councilor Brown made sure to clear things up right away.

Key Takeaways

• This is an improvement project, not a widening project. The main goal is to make things better, not just add more lanes.

The primary purpose of this construction is to improve the city's drainage system and overall infrastructure. It also includes repaving Main Street from First Street to Elm. It's important to know that this project will not add more lanes or widen the street. The plan also includes work on Birch Street and the necessary drainage between Main Street and Veterans Park, recognizing the important connection between these areas.

What's Been Done So Far?

Many people have been driving through the construction and wondering what exactly has been accomplished. Councilor Brown shared a list of completed items:

• A complete new drainage system has been installed on both sides of Main Street, as well as on Birch.

• Curbs and gutters were added to the south side of Main Street.

• New sidewalks are now in place along the east side of Birch Street and on both the north and south sides of Main Street.

• A new irrigation system was put in along both sides of Main.

• Trees are being added on the north and south sides of Main, all the way to Date Street.

• A median island is being installed, with curbs and gutters already finished on the north side.

• The base layer of asphalt has been completed along both Main Street and Birch.

It's a lot of work, and it shows how much effort has gone into improving the area.

What's Still to Come?

With so much done, the big question is, "When will it be finished?" Councilor Brown gave us a look at the final steps:

• New street lights will be installed along Main Street.

• New sod will be put in along Main as well.

The final part of the project, Phase 5, is expected to begin in about two weeks and should take two to three weeks to complete. During this phase, you can expect to see:

• The new median island finished.

• The completion of curbs and gutters on the south side of Main Street, extending along the east side of the railroad tracks.

• Railroad crossing signals will be reinstalled.

• The contractor will complete the surface layer of asphalt on both Main Street and Birch, specifically between Main and Aquarium Place.

• The existing asphalt between Elm Street and Date will be overlaid so that all the asphalt matches.

This project is really getting close to the finish line. It's going to make the entrance to downtown Jenks even better.