The project includes both paving and microsurfacing, with work to be done at night, from approximately 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
VANCOUVER — A city of Vancouver project to improve pavement conditions on East Mill Plain Boulevard, from Fort Vancouver Way to Grand Boulevard, is expected to get underway this week. The project includes both paving and microsurfacing, with work to be done at night, from approximately 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to help reduce traffic impacts.
Granite Construction, the city’s contractors for this 2019 Pavement Management project, will start with pavement repairs and preparations.
Next, the contractor will be grinding off the existing street surface where paving is planned, and returning to pave with hot asphalt. That work is expected to begin about Aug. 5, and will be done as part of a rolling operation over consecutive nights. Vehicles will be able to drive on the street after grinding has occurred, prior to paving, but drivers should be prepared for rough surfaces. Those traveling on motorcycles and bicycles should exercise caution.
The microsurfacing portion of the project is currently anticipated for the week of Aug. 19, weather permitting. During microsurfacing, the contractor will apply a liquid mix that contains an asphalt emulsion that sets up quickly, allowing the street to be reopened to traffic a fairly short time after applying. Microsurfacing, a preservation treatment, forms a thin shell over the street, extending the life of the existing pavement. As it cures, the surface becomes smoother.
Pavement markings will be restored following microsurfacing. Project completion is anticipated by early September.
East Mill Plain Boulevard is expected to remain open during this project. However, lanes must be closed to maintain a safe construction zone. Travel may be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction while work is occurring. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are asked to watch for flaggers, and expect lane changes, possible detours, and delays.
Pavement work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.
This project is part of the city’s 2019 Pavement Management Program, with 50 percent of the funding provided by a grant through the Washington State Department of Transportation National Highway System (NHS) grant. The remaining funding for this project is from the City’s Street Funding Strategy, adopted by the City Council in 2015 to provide a strong and sustainable foundation for improving the community’s street system and reversing a trend of deteriorating pavement conditions. Nearly half of the Street Funding Strategy support currently comes from the Vancouver Transportation Benefit District (TBD) vehicle license fees.
For details about the city’s 2019 Pavement Management Program, including a map of this year’s work, please visit the Pavement Management Program webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/pavement. To view tentative schedules, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/PMschedule.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
