By John Howell
Woodland Road could be reopened to traffic as early as May 15, depending on weather and construction factors, civil engineer Byron Houston said Wednesday.

The city plans to build two 72-inch-diameter tunnels with reinforced concrete pipe to replace a single 72-inch corrugated metal culvert that washed out during torrential rains April 24.
Woodland Road has been closed since, creating a lengthy alternate route for access to and from Dogwood Hills subdivision.

Ward One Alderman Bill Dugger said that the contractor should work through daylight hours and weekends to complete the repair.

Mendrop Engineering spokesman Houston said the city will receive 30 eight-foot sections of the concrete culvert.

Pipe installation can begin after the city’s natural gas line and other utilities have been relocated and additional excavation to remove the old pipe.

Houston said that he expected another culvert repair to be completed on Dogwood Lane by Thursday.

“It won’t be paved, but it will be patched,” he said.

Aldermen unanimously approved the repairs as emergencies, circumventing the more lengthy process involved with soliciting bids.

The city will use its term bid contractor for the work.