Crews to install traffic signal at Flint Road
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will begin the process of resurfacing the pavement on U.S. Highway 2 from Espanola Road to Interstate 90 Monday, May 5.
WSDOT awarded the bid for the project to Inland Asphalt Company of Spokane with a construction bid of $5,108,782, which is close to $1 million less than the engineer’s estimate, according to DOT project engineer Bob Hilmes.
Crews will grind the existing asphalt in the driving lanes and pour new asphalt over it. The goal for this project is to preserve and extend the life of the roadway.
The first phase of construction will take place during the day. Crews will be doing grading work at Wood/Espanola Road and adding wheelchair ramps to sidewalks in Airway Heights. After the first week, crews will shift construction to nights, working from 7 p.m. - 6 a.m., to do the resurfacing, grinding and paving. At different locations, traffic will be reduced in one lane for each direction.
“This allows the crews to work more efficiently without having to deal with a lot of traffic,” Hilmes said.
Crews will try to minimize the impacts and keep at least one access open to all businesses during nighttime business hours.
The grinding and paving portion of the project is scheduled to start on June 23. Crews will be grinding and paving between Dover and Espanola roads. The resurfacing in this section is scheduled to be finished before July 4.
After July 4, crews will be working from Dover Road toward I‐90. They will work in segments to try and minimize the amount of roadway that is disrupted.
The resurfacing portion of the project should be finished by mid-August. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in mid-September, depending on weather and other factors.
Hilmes said there could be some potential noise impacts on residents. He said the department would send out letters to residents who live within 400 feet of construction, as well as post signs with contact information.
In addition to the resurfacing of Highway 2, the department will install a traffic signal system at the Flint Road intersection to provide control over traffic flow to the Spokane Airport. Left and right turn lanes will also be added at Flint Road as well as at South Espanola/Wood Road.
Citizens who have questions can call 509-536-3117.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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