Commuters in downtown Spokane should prepare for extended travel times as a major infrastructure project targeting South Stevens Street is scheduled to commence on Monday, July 6.
Crews are tasked with replacing sewer and stormwater pipes, which is a standard procedure during major roadwork to ensure that decades-old utility lines do not fail shortly after new asphalt is laid.
Consequently, the city is mandating lower speeds through the work zone and asking for heightened driver alertness to prevent rear-end collisions that often occur in unexpected bottlenecks.
Old, cracked stormwater pipes can lead to sinkholes under the roadway or localized flooding that damages private property.
Failure to hit the late-August target would likely result in intensified public frustration, as the South Hill corridor also serves several large educational institutions.
Southbound Stevens Street faces lane reductions and 9th Avenue Bridge repairs starting July 6 as Spokane begins an eight-week infrastructure project.