Drivers are encouraged to avoid portions of “I” Street and 5th Avenue next Monday and Tuesday while a crack-sealing project on those roads is underway.

Beginning on Monday, July 16, City of Yakima crews will be crack-sealing “I” Street. Operations will take place  from 6th Avenue to 1st Street and 5th Avenue, from “I” Street to Fruitvale Boulevard.  The crack sealing project is expected to be completed on Tuesday, July 17.

Crews will be working each day on the project from about 6 a.m. until about 4 p.m..

The roads involved in the project will remain open to traffic while work is underway, although delays can be expected.  Flaggers will direct traffic through the project areas.  If possible, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes until the project is completed.

Crack sealing is one of the most inexpensive forms of road maintenance and is an effective method of preventing water from penetrating the roadbed and causing further damage, including potholes.  Cracks caused by fatigue, changes in temperature,  and regular traffic  are first cleaned using pressurized air.  Cracks are then filled with an asphalt emulsion, thereby preserving not only the roadbed, but the pavement adjacent to the cracks.

As always, the schedule for street and traffic projects is subject to change daily, dependent on weather, equipment failure and emergencies.

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