In a project that will affect Hazel Dell’s main thoroughfare all summer, Clark Regional Wastewater District officials say they’re taking a proactive approach to replace a problematic wastewater pipe that runs along Northeast Highway 99.
Wastewater commissioners have awarded a $1.86 million contract to Vancouver-based Nutter Corp. to construct the sewer project. Funding for the work comes from the district’s restoration and replacement account, which is generated by customer receipts.
Construction is set to begin after next month’s Hazel Dell Parade of Bands and is expected to be finished in November.
The project runs along the east side of Northeast Highway 99 between Northeast 63rd and Northeast 78th streets.
Drivers and businesses should expect some traffic impacts and construction noise, dust, and vibration. Traffic will be temporarily shifted for the duration of the project, but no lanes will be closed. Instead, lanes will be narrowed and all lanes on the roadway will be shifted to the west.
“The striping and traffic control plan doesn’t remove a lane,” said Shawn Moore, Clark Regional Wastewater District assistant manager.
Local businesses will be open during construction. Vehicle access to businesses will be maintained during regular business hours.
Commuters should expect some pre-construction activity in the area, mostly to the right of the northbound travel lanes. Construction will occur from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work in roadway intersections will happen at night.
“This investment will provide continued reliable and affordable service for the customers in Hazel Dell for another 50-plus years, while at the same time protecting public health and the environment,” Robin Krause, district engineer, said in a news release.
The project will replace the roughly 50-year-old sewer line with about 3,400 feet of new gravity sewer. Concrete lines can last for up to 75 years, but Moore said the one being replaced was from an era that suffered from poor manufacturing. Also, the soil surrounding it has caused problems.
“This section has required a high level of maintenance and it’s more cost-effective to replace the pipe,” Moore said.
For more information or to sign up for the project notification list, visit www.crwwd.com/projects/hwy99sewer.html, or contact Ron Monteferrante, district construction manager, at 360-993-8851 or rmonteferrante@crwwd.com.
