Ark Valley News - Roadwork continues despite the rain

Roadwork continues despite the rain
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: July 10, 2015

Work on Meridian and Ramsey in Valley Center was thrown another curveball this week as heavy rains pounded the area July 6 and steady rainfall slowed progress July 7.

Work on the reconstruction project continued in the muddy conditions. It was too early to tell this week how much the rain affected the project's overall timetable.

Crews this week were concentrating on driveway approaches on the east side of Meridian and preparing the road for concrete.

A nearly 3-inch rainfall on July 6 flooded parts of the construction zone, but some vehicles still managed to navigate Meridian. No stalled vehicles were reported.

The rain continued on July 7, but construction crews returned to the area and worked in the wet conditions.

According to a project timeline approved in mid-March, work on Meridian was to wrap up by July 10. That appears to be delayed.

The city says the full width of Meridian is expected to open near the end of July.

The entire $6.7 million project, which will include the reconstruction of a portion of 77th North as well as a detention pond south of 77th, is expected to be complete in early October.

The following is the city's weekly project update:

Current status of closures

•Main and Meridian intersection, as well as Meridian north of railroad, open to through traffic. During periods of heavy rain, portions of Meridian and side roads may have limited access due to flooding until storm sewer system is installed to allow for subsurface drainage. Traffic signs and barricades will be installed as needed to protect the safety of the traveling public.

•Main and Meridian intersection is 2-way stop controlled with stop signs on Main Street for east and westbound traffic prior to permanent traffic signal improvements. Permanent traffic signal installation scheduled for late June/early July with full width of Meridian opening and operational signals near end of July.

•Access to businesses along Ramsey is being maintained either from Clay Street and frontage road to the north or temporary access road from Ford Street.

•The west half of Meridian is open for access to the businesses in the area. Traffic may access this area from north and south Meridian which is open to traffic.

The best routes to avoid construction are Seneca for traffic east of the project, and Ash north of Main or Sheridan south of Main for traffic west of the project.

Current status of construction

•Pond grading ongoing south of Ford Street working from the south end of the detention pond towards the north.

•Concrete wall construction on pump station ongoing.

•Pump station outfall piping construction between detention pond and floodway nearing completion.

•Reinforced crushed rock base complete along east half of Meridian and Ramsey. Concrete curb and gutter nearing completion. East half of Meridian, driveways and sidewalk concrete paving to begin.