An ambitious street repaving project that will result in more than 90 lane miles of roads in Yakima being resurfaced kicks off on Monday, May 12th along a section of 40th Avenue and a portion of Lincoln Avenue.
The City is spending about $15 million dollars this year completing what’s known as a “grind and overlay” project in order to recondition roadway sections in different parts of Yakima. A grind and overlay project involves removing old and deteriorated asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt, which significantly improves the drivability and safety of the road surface.
From Monday, May 12th through Friday, May 16th, periodic lane closures on 40th Avenue between Fruitvale Boulevard and Summitview Avenue, as well as on Lincoln Avenue between 24th Avenue and 32nd Avenue, will occur each day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Portions of those same sections of 40th Avenue and Lincoln Avenue will be closed to traffic overnight from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am from Monday, May 12th through Thursday, May 15th and detour routes will be in place.
Over the next few months, the grind and overlay project will affect nearly every part of Yakima. The entire project is expected to be finished by the fall.
In 2013, the City repaved almost 30 lane miles of roads. That makes this year’s grind and overlay project about three time larger.
“This project will come with some challenges for sure,” said City of Yakima Senior Engineer Bob Desgrosellier. “There will be times during the project where traffic may be a challenge. But getting this much repaving done all at once is likely going to be less impactful than it would be if we stretched it out over several years,” said Desgrosellier. “We ask that the community be as patient as possible while the work is underway. The repaved roads that we’ll have when we’re done will be worth it.”
While the grind and overlay work is underway, traffic delays in the project areas will occur. Drivers should use alternate routes if possible until the work is completed.
Access to homes and businesses in the project areas will be maintained as best as possible and emergency vehicles will be allowed through the project areas if necessary.
As always, the schedule for these types of projects is subject to change daily dependent on weather, equipment failure, and emergencies.
For additional information regarding this week’s grind and overlay project activity, contact Senior Engineer Bob Desgrosellier at 575-6228.