First Avenue construction project on schedule

Wednesday morning construction crews connected a section of brand new water main to the Division Street supply line. The new water line runs under West First Avenue from Division to Jackson.

By the end of the week, Halme Construction was expected to begin replacing the aging 24-inch storm drain system that lies underneath West First Avenue.

When that portion of the street improvement project is completed, crews will begin smoothing out the roadway, bringing it to the proper grade in preparation for the road bed to be placed, followed by paving, which is anticipated to start on or around Oct. 30.

The paving portion of the project will depend on the weather. Rain, snow or an extended cold snap could prohibit the paving project until next year.

Hugh Theiler from the city’s engineering firm, Varela & Associates, said the project is running a couple of days ahead of schedule.

Tuesday Theiler said the process for connecting the water main on Wednesday would leave some residents and businesses without water for a few hours Wednesday morning.

At press time, Theiler expected water services to be turned back on no later that 1 p.m.

Water was shut off to homes and businesses along Division Street from Third Avenue to Railroad Avenue. The construction company notified all the users who would be effected.

During the actual work on Wednesday crews ran into a few challenges that resulted in other businesses along West First Avenue being without power, all the way to Jakes Café.

The engineering firm warned that residents may notice some discoloration and sediment in the water once the water system was turned back on. Residents were encouraged to run water to flush the lines.

Around Oct. 14, the south side of West First Avenue out to the WSDOT equipment yard will be closed for the installation of another section of new water main, which will replace part of the city’s aging water delivery system.