Fifth Street construction expected to last a month

WASHINGTON — Construction along a highly traveled commuter route is expected to last until late May according to Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius.

“It’s dependent on the weather,” he said. “If it rains for three days, or two weeks, that just delays the end date, and we can’t predict that. I do know they have 25 working days … so ideally, we’re done with the entire project by the end of May.”

The project stretches from the D Avenue intersection to the end of the pavement on Lexington Avenue, flanking both sides of Highway 1.

While some parts of the roads will be available for residents and local businesses, Thorius said the entire stretch would remain closed to traffic passing through until the project finished.

“We won’t open the road until we’re done with the project … in terms of people using it to get in and out of town,” he said. “Locals will still be able to get in and out at times, except when we’re actually paving, then there will be more limited access.”

That paving is tentatively planned to start this Friday, but Thorius said it could be delayed by some logistical issues. Once the entire project is done, he said drivers would notice an improvement.

“We’re going to put six inches of concrete on top of what’s out there to improve the road and the longevity of the road,” he said. “Especially when you head west on Lexington, it’s a rough, bouncy ride … there are areas that are cracked and rough. It will be just like we’re doing a brand-new road.”

Thorius asked drivers to be patient while contractors finish the work.

“We’re doing what we can, and we realize it’s an inconvenience,” he said. “But in the end it will be an improved road for everybody, and hopefully that’ll happen soon.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com