Challenge

The City of West Bend needed to fully reconstruct Main Street. However, Main Street is located in the heart of the active downtown district and would need to involve complete replacement of underground utilities and surface infrastructure.

Solutions

Kunkel Engineering Group was contracted by the City in 2022 to design infrastructure improvements for the full reconstruction project. Our team began by working closely with City staff, local businesses, downtown organizations, and the general public, coordinating and communicating with all parties to ensure disruptions were minimized and access to businesses would be maintained throughout constructions. Our team implemented a public outreach program early to update the public on construction activities and stakeholder meetings.

While continuing to work with the City and the public, Kunkel provided the City with a comprehensive design report, including designs for a new sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, service laterals, and a full reconstruction of the roadway infrastructure. We then provided bidding services to carry out these design plans, assisting with the drafting of bid documents and selection of the construction contractor. Kunkel provided construction oversight services throughout the entire project, continuing with a strong focus on coordination and communication through on-site coordination with contractors and City personnel. Kunkel carefully sequenced construction activities to maintain pedestrian and vehicular access whenever possible and accommodating special events and business operations.

Results

Through detailed planning, consistent communication, and diligent construction oversight, Kunkel Engineering Group successfully delivered the West Bend Main Street Reconstruction Project on schedule and within budget. The completed project not only revitalized critical infrastructure but also contributed to the continued economic vitality and aesthetic appeal of downtown West Bend. Kunkel’s design succeeded in modernizing the aging utilities, improving stormwater management, and enhancing the overall functionality, appearance, and safety of the downtown corridor. Our coordination and communication with all effected parties succeeded in minimizing disruptions to the busy downtown area. This thoughtful and hands-on approach fostered a strong sense of collaboration between the engineering team, the City, the contractor, and the downtown community.

… We take pride in this project because it serves as a prime example of Kunkel Engineering’s ability to deliver complex municipal infrastructure improvements in highly visible, business-critical environments.”

— Mitch Leisses / Project Manager