On Wednesday, Sept. 29, 9th Street NW will close from Main Avenue W. to 2nd Avenue NW for improvements to the water main and road. There will also be lane reductions on Main Avenue W. at the 9th Street NW intersection. The closure and improvements should finish by Wednesday, Oct. 20, pending weather conditions. Traffic will detour to Center Street and 12th Avenue NW. (Closure map)
The work will replace the undersized, isolated water main in the area with a looped, properly sized water main for improved capacity. Looping the water main provides multiple routes in the distribution system to improve water pressure.
Crews will also install a new turn lane on 9th Street NW to turn west on Main Avenue W. Without this new lane, traffic on 9th Street NW can stack behind vehicles turning east on Main Avenue W. The dedicated lane will allow westbound traffic to move around those vehicles.
The project estimate is just over $1 million. Almost 50% of the project cost will receive funds through a State Water Commission grant. The rest of the funding comes from water utility revenues and capital improvement sales tax. This project will not use special assessments.
Motorists may encounter delays during commute times and should adjust their travel plans. Always use the ‘S’ check when traveling in and around construction areas – check your speed, space and stress.