Shawnee, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Shawnee will temporarily close Monticello Road at 60th Street from August 4 to August 8 for urgent stormwater pipe repairs. The Public Works Department is addressing this emergency caused by heavy rainfall that risks sinkholes. The repairs, funded by a $2 million bond approved in 2023, aim to replace outdated corrugated pipes with long-lasting reinforced concrete ones. A full closure is also expected in September for further work. No disruption to operations at nearby Mill Valley High School is anticipated during these repairs.
Shawnee will see a temporary closure of Monticello Road at 60th Street from August 4 to August 8 to conduct emergency stormwater pipe repairs. The city’s Public Works Department will oversee the repairs, which are deemed urgent due to the risk of sinkholes exacerbated by heavy rainfall earlier in July.
These repairs will serve as a short-term solution, as a full-scale closure is expected in September for more extensive repairs. The existing corrugated stormwater pipes, which have reached the end of their 20-30 year lifespan, will subsequently be replaced with stronger reinforced concrete pipes designed to last up to 100 years.
The emergency repairs are being funded by a bond issue approved by voters in 2023 through the Parks and Pipes sales tax. The city council has allocated $2 million specifically for necessary repairs, including a significant repair of a sinkhole already present on the campus of Mill Valley High School. This sinkhole, reportedly 10 feet deep, formed due to a failing underground stormwater pipe.
Around the affected area, roadway plates have already been installed to cover damage near the school. Detours will be clearly marked along Shawnee Mission Parkway, Woodland Drive, and Johnson Drive during both the emergency and upcoming full closures.
The current pipe in need of repair is a 69-inch by 96-inch corrugated metal arch pipe that was installed in 1999. Given that about half of the city’s stormwater system consists of similar corrugated metal pipes, the city plans to gradually replace them with sturdier options to prevent future road deterioration and avoid the necessity for major emergency closures.
As the new school year approaches, neighbors, school officials, and the De Soto School District are eager for the repairs to be completed swiftly. Currently, there is no expected impact on Mill Valley High School operations due to the ongoing repairs, and no injuries have been reported from the existing sinkhole.
The urgency of these repairs has been emphasized by city officials, as ongoing deterioration of Monticello Road could lead to a more critical situation. As such, the Public Works Department aims to initiate repairs immediately upon receiving final City Council approval.
Summary of Key Details:
- Closure Dates: August 4 – August 8 for emergency repairs; full closure expected in September.
- Location: Monticello Road at 60th Street, near Mill Valley High School.
- Funding: $2 million from the Parks and Pipes sales tax bond approved in 2023.
- Emergency Repairs: Replacement of failing stormwater pipes with reinforced concrete.
- Impact on School: No disruption to Mill Valley High School operations anticipated.
FAQ
What prompted the closure of Monticello Road?
The closure is due to emergency stormwater pipe repairs necessary to prevent sinkholes from forming.
How long will the road be closed?
Monticello Road will be closed from August 4 to August 8, with a full-scale closure scheduled for September.
What kinds of pipes are being replaced?
The city is replacing failing corrugated metal pipes, which are reaching the end of their lifespan, with reinforced concrete pipes designed to last longer.
Is Mill Valley High School affected by the repairs?
No, operations at Mill Valley High School are expected to continue without disruption.
Who is responsible for the stormwater system repairs?
The Public Works Department of Shawnee is overseeing the repairs on the stormwater system underneath the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KSHB: Emergency Repairs Near Mill Valley High School
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole
- Johnson County Post: Shawnee Approves Sinkhole Repair
- Google Search: Road Infrastructure Repair
- KMBC: Tornadoes in Johnson County
- Google Scholar: Stormwater Management
- Johnson County Post: Shawnee Development Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Repairs Infrastructure
- Johnson County Post: EV Charging Stations
- Google News: Infrastructure Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
