Many drivers have been able to cope with the closure of Washington Street by using the short bypass route of Vista Drive and 3rd Avenue. But that option may not always be available Thursday and Friday this week.
The good news is the project is progressing and, according to city staff, Washington Street is expected to reopen the first part of October (a conservative estimate since much is dependent on the weather).
The bad news, city staff warn, is the shortest detour route around the closure will be blocked occasionally during paving operations which are scheduled to occur this Thursday and Friday, weather permitting.
The paving process will, according to city staff, require “different approaches to traffic control and detouring ” “to keep traffic off the new hot asphalt so the mat is not damaged and provided sufficient time to cool prior to re-establishing the regular detour route.” This will required stopping traffic at those locations.
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Click for more informationAs a result, drivers can expect significant delays and backups in the area. According to an email from Public Works staff,
Drivers are encouraged to utilize alternate east/west routes, including Main Street, Slater and Grandview Roads as paving operations will cause significant delays and backups for those travelling in the vicinity of Washington Street at Second and Third Avenues and Vista Drive.
Traffic exiting I-5 at Portal Way should consider a route leading north on Portal Way to avoid the forecast delays.