State uses new paving technique to fill wheel ruts
Rather than repave a full cross-section of highway, the state has started using a new system in which crews fill the ruts with a “chip seal” coating.
Rutted asphalt pavement results from high traffic volumes and winter studded tire wear, according to the DOT’s regional director.
“These ruts, or grooves, in the wheel path of each lane allow water, ice and snow to accumulate, creating a hazard for drivers. Some ruts are nearly 2 inches deep,” said a newsletter last week from the office of Keith Metcalf.
DOT’s eastern region materials lab and a Colville maintenance crew are using the chip seal to extend pavement life.
A layer of asphalt oil emulsion is sprayed into the wheel rut, followed by a layer of specially crushed gravel, or chips, which adheres to the oil.
The crew on the project then rolls over the mixture with wheels from a heavy truck to compress it into the rut. The asphalt is then given time to cure before the loose chips are swept up.
Last year, about 20 miles of highway on U.S. 2 and state Highway 31 were repaired this way.
In July, a crew filled wheel path ruts on 10 miles of U.S. Highway 395 near Colville.
The cost of the work this year was about $100,000, which is a fraction of the cost of a full repaving.
DOT workers helped build fire break
DOT crews last summer became a first line of defense against the spread of wildfires.
In early August, a small fire started along U.S. Highway 395 between Monroe and Hatch roads north of Spokane.
According to the DOT, witnesses said it appeared to have been intentionally set.
Citizens stopped to fight the small fire and were joined by DOT workers who were equipped with shovels and Pulaski tools. They started digging a line around the fire.
A lawn mowing company at the scene unloaded a mower to cut a fire break. A DOT worker held a fire line at the edge of an adjoining lawn, waiting for the owner to bring water from a hose.
DOT reported that about 60 people worked to contain the fire until a fire department truck arrived about 15 minutes later.
Children of Sun Trail extended
A new segment of the Children of the Sun Trail is about to be opened in the Hillyard area as part of the North Spokane Corridor freeway project.
The new trail segment runs from the Freya Street roundabouts to the vicinity of Harmon Park in Hillyard.
The route is part of the wider trail that is planned for the length of the freeway corridor.
The new segment, which opens next Monday, was built as part of the rail realignment and right-of-way preparation in the vicinity of Francis Avenue and the former rail yards on the east side of Hillyard.
The trail includes two bridges over Freya Street and the BNSF Railway line. A third crossing is combined with the southbound lanes over a rail spur track.
The construction that led to the trail extension was part of a $31 million package of work on a freeway extension near Hillyard that dates back more than two years.
Local officials and residents are planning a celebration of the trail extension at 11 a.m. Oct. 12 near Freya Street and the northernmost freeway roundabout.
Council seeks input from public
The Spokane Regional Transportation Council is offering an online educational tool to help members of the public understand the difficulties of deciding how to spend transportation money.
The tool asks participants to rank allocation of $50 million in funding on various projects. Responses will help in developing a vision for future transportation developments.
To participate, look for a Web link at srtc.org.
North Side bike-ped project begins
A five-week project starts this week to build a bicycle route with pedestrian improvements on Spokane’s North Side.
The route will run from Buckeye Avenue at Atlantic Street east to Mayfair Street and then turn north following Lidgerwood Street, Euclid Avenue, Addison Street, Standard Street and Colton Street.
Bike lanes and sidewalks are being installed in the $550,000 project.
Lane restrictions planned in Valley
In Spokane Valley, lane restrictions on Mansfield Avenue between Pines and Houk roads continue during work hours until Wednesday.
Sprague Avenue between Appleway Blvd. and Arties Road also has narrowed lanes during daytime hours.
Pavement markings are being installed as the last step in paving on Sullivan Road south of Trent Avenue. Lane travel may be restricted.
Crack sealing near Suncrest
Crack sealing work is planned for Wednesday and Thursday on state Highway 291 near Suncrest, Washington. The work will be protected by flaggers, who will direct traffic through the construction zones.
Extensive repair work on U.S. Highway 195 from Interstate 90 to Excelsior Road continues with a 45-mph speed limit.