Washington Avenue Reconstruction Update
Via an August 3 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:
Road striping begins on Washington Avenue Monday
On Monday, August 7, crews will begin a two to three week process for striping lanes of Washington Avenue (County Road 152).
Expect noise
For this project, the striping will be done in stages. First, a grinder will be used to create grooves for the new road lines. Then, painting trucks will place the reflective paint on top of the grooves to form lines.
Please be aware that this work will be noisy. The grinder can be loud and may be used as late as 10 p.m.
Painter trucks will be working overnight to help cut down on traffic impacts. These trucks are not as loud as the grinder machine, but residents should still prepare for some construction-related noise during this time.
Expect delays
Striping will be completed under traffic - both during the day and at night. This means crews will be working alongside traffic. Lane restrictions, including at intersections with flaggers, will occur as striping progresses along Washington Avenue.
Motorists and pedestrians should expect some delays during this work.
Last weekend, crews paved the final layer of bituminous, or pavement, on eastbound lanes of Washington Avenue.
Detour remains in place
The existing detour will remain in place as crews complete striping work.
Motorists
For the remainder of the work, motorists should stay alert and follow the signs posted around the area.
• All eastbound through traffic must use the detour of 2nd Avenue, 4th Street South and 5th Avenue.
• Continued lane restrictions in intersections at 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues are expected.
Bicyclists
In addition, bicyclists should continue to stay off the cycle track until the project announces they are open. It is anticipated the lanes will open in August.