Resurfacing of Evergreen to take two months

Residents living along south Evergreen Road got a bit of a reprieve when the start date for the reconstruction of the street was pushed back. The reprieve, however, is over. Construction is expected to begin today and last for about two months.

The project is being done in conjunction with Vera Water and Power, which is installing a new waterline under the road. The city of Spokane Valley took the opportunity to do some needed road work at the same time.

The work was delayed because of a problem Vera was having, said Spokane Valley project manager Craig Aldworth. “They had some very long valves and the contractor was unable to get them in time to start on the 18th,” he said.

The city could have started work on Monday anyway, but the site would have been idle for a few days with just a large hole in the ground, Aldworth said. “We should still be done before school starts,” he said.

Sidewalks will be added in a few sections as well as some left turn lanes on Evergreen. Traffic detours will be set up during construction, but it is best to avoid the area if possible. “We’re very close to state Route 27,” Aldworth said. “People can just zip over there.”

During phase one Evergreen and a section of 20th Avenue will be closed to everyone but residents. Sixteenth will remain open and 24th will be open with narrowed lanes in both directions. Phase two will shut down Evergreen and westbound traffic on 32nd; eastbound traffic on 32nd will be able to get through. During phase three, 32nd Avenue will be shut down to all but local traffic, including the affected intersections at Best Road and Evergreen Road.