Headaches loom as DOT launches 7-mile repaving project in Tri-Cities

Tri-City drivers can expect traffic headaches in coming weeks as the state embarks on a seven-mile, $6 million grinding-and-paving project.

The project includes Highway 395 in Kennewick to Interstate 182 and Highway 12 in Burbank.

Work begins May 9 in the Burbank area.

The state also will repave the I-182 interchanges at roads 68, 100 and Queensgate Drive, as well.

“There are pieces and parts all over,” said Moe Davari, DOT project engineer.

The contractor, Central Washington Asphalt, will work around the clock on the initial Burbank section to minimize the effect on those who commute to Wallula. The Burbank phase should wrap up by May 12 , Davari said.

From there, work moves to the heart of the Tri-Cities, beginning on Highway 395 at Kennewick Avenue and extending north over the blue bridge into Pasco to I-182.

Davari said the Tri-City section will be worked on between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

There will be flaggers and signs to alert drivers. The state also will distribute letters to businesses and residents, he said.

The thorniest section will be in Pasco at the Lewis Street overpass.

The project includes some structural work that will require closing Highway 395, which carries some 55,000 vehicles a day across the blue bridge.

The exact date of the closure is not set but will likely be the week of May 15.

Davari said the Lewis Street closure will be announced when the date is set.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 7:30 PM with the headline "Headaches loom as DOT launches 7-mile repaving project in Tri-Cities."