A project that began earlier this summer to install a raised sidewalk along the south side of the Lincoln Avenue underpass and to erect the long-anticipated “Bins of Light” art piece will resume on Monday, October 24th.
A delay in the manufacturing of specialized glass panels for the Bins of Light art piece led to the project shutting down temporarily a few weeks after it got started in July. The contractor for both the sidewalk project and the installation of the Bins of Light, Bellsass & Smith Construction, Inc. from Ellensburg, is obligated by its contract with the City to finish the job within a limited number of “work days”. Because the manufacturing of the glass panels for the art piece was taking longer than expected, the project was temporarily shut down in early August to preserve as many “work days” as possible once the arrival date of the panels was known.
The glass panels, which feature images of fruit on one side and well-known Yakima Valley fruit labels on the other side and were made in Germany, are expected to arrive in Yakima next week.
Completion of the raised sidewalk along the south side of the underpass will result in the closure of the left, westbound lane of Lincoln Avenue between 1st Street and 1st Avenue from Monday, October 24th through late November, barring any unanticipated delays. Drivers using the left, westbound lane of Lincoln Avenue east of 1st Street will be required to make a left-hand turn onto 1st Street while the project is underway. Cones and appropriate signage will help drivers navigate through the project area. Drivers should be especially attentive while traveling through the project area.
When the Bins of Light art piece is installed, all westbound lanes of Lincoln Avenue between 1st Street and 1st Avenue will be closed. It has not yet been decided on which date the Bins of Light installation will take place. Once it has, the City will provide notice regarding the associated traffic impacts that will occur.
Drivers are reminded that the speed limit through all traffic-related works zones within the City of Yakima is 20 miles-per-hour.
Because of heavy traffic volumes in the area, drivers can expect delays in and around the project area while work on the project is underway. Drivers should use alternate routes if possible until the project is completed.
Access to homes and businesses in the project area will be maintained as best as possible. Emergency vehicles will be allowed through the project area if necessary.
As always, the schedule for this type of a project is subject to change daily dependent on weather, equipment failure, and emergencies.
For additional information about this project, contact Construction Supervisor Bruce Floyd at 575-6138.