WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — A multimillion-dollar plan to curb chronic street flooding in east Wichita is drawing pushback from neighbors who argue the disruption and cost far outweigh the benefits.
The City of Wichita is currently in the middle of a three-phase project designed to overhaul drainage along Bleckley Drive. According to city data, the street floods up to 10 times a year, with standing water rising up to 3 feet for several hours and making the roadway impassable for drivers.
While the city intends to rebuild the corridor to improve driver safety, long-time residents along the street say the planned construction will upend their neighborhood.
Concerns over cost, mature trees, and property values
Work on the $37 million project will ramp up next year when crews begin cutting down dozens of mature shade trees lining Bleckley Drive. Contractors will then replace water and sewer lines before excavating the street to install massive underground storm drains…