MARYSVILLE — Even though the road won’t be blocked completely, construction work under way on State Avenue will cause delays that motorists will want to avoid, city officials said Friday.
"Stage one is the only stage during which through traffic on State Avenue will be maintained," assistant city engineer Jeff Massie said. "Although State will not be completely blocked off, traffic delays are likely to occur, so we encourage nonlocal traffic to use alternate routes, such as Cedar Avenue, during construction."
Crews will do their best to keep access open to local businesses, he said.
The 10-month, $6.4 million project will provide road improvements and downtown beautification along nearly a mile of State between Grove and First streets.
Construction began Tuesday in what city officials call the city’s most significant economic development and public investment project in a decade.
The planned development of Ebey Waterfront Park and the State Avenue project are the cornerstones of the city’s efforts to beautify and revitalize downtown shopping and the business district and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment for shoppers, tourists and residents, Mayor Dave Weiser said.
"For motorists, the construction is essential to improving the substandard roadway that State has become over the years," he said.
Although Marshbank Construction officials originally planned to rip up the east side of the road first, they started on the west side, reducing the old roadway to rubble in preparation for new pavement.
The northbound lanes on the east side are being used for traffic while the southbound lanes are closed.
When that side is done, the other side will be completed.
Vehicles still can get to businesses along the way, with driveways marked by bright orange cones.
The project is "just the latest visible sign of forward progress the city in making in its commitment to stimulate economic development," chief administrative officer Mary Swenson said.
The city is encouraging downtown businesses to spruce up at the same time the city improves the road, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and places some utilities underground. Decorative lighting also will be installed.
Residents and motorists should be prepared to cope with noise, dust, traffic delays and vibration during the project, Massie said. Short disruptions in water, sewer, gas, cable and electricity also may occur while underground utilities are being installed or utilities are moved to alleys and side streets
Construction updates will be available in fliers delivered to homes and businesses in the project area, as well as being posted on a Web site linked to the city’s site at ci.marysville.wa.us, and on the city’s cable TV government access Channel 29.
In addition, a project hotline at 360-657-4264 is expected to be operational this weekend, city spokesman Doug Buell said. The hotline will provide project details and serve as a clearinghouse for responses to public concerns, comments and issues, he said.
For more information, contact project manager David Lervik at 360-651-5139.
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
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