On Tuesday morning, today, downtown Spokane drivers were unable to cross Lincoln or Monroe as work crews began laying down a base layer along Second Avenue. The disruption was only for the morning commute. Drivers should be able to cross back on Lincoln and Monroe during this afternoon's commute.

The downtown street projects will continue until November. The city is spending roughly $2.1 million to reconstruct Second and install a 12-inch water main as well as new catch basins.

With warmer weather occurring this week, you will be glad to know the prime contractor on the job, Inland Asphalt, has been diligent with water trucks, keeping road dust to a minimum.

Lisa Woodard, spokeswoman for Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, said inspectors have visited the street site during the course of construction. Each time they've found the contractor fully complying with air control guidelines, she said.

Ann Deasy, a City of Spokane spokesperson, said the workers have made sure to leave one-lane access to businesses disrupted by the work.

"If you have a favorite restaurant downtown in the work area, try to get there and support the business during the work," Deasy said

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