A reconstructed section of the West Valley Highway is now open between State Route 18 and West Main Street.

The much-used highway reopened early Wednesday afternoon, two days earlier than originally anticipated.

Project officials lauded the work and dedication of the City’s Contractor, RW Scott of Auburn, and City construction staff for quickly repairing the roadway ahead of schedule.

“The contractor basically worked long, hard hours, weekend hours, to get the roadway open ahead of time, despite the rough conditions,” said Jacob Sweeting, project manager for the City of Auburn.

The section of the two-lane highway from SR 18 to West Main Street was closed late August to allow for the upgrade of a new, expanded and safer roadway.

Crews widened and reconstructed the roadway from West Main Street and Highway 18 – approximately a 1,870-foot section. They completely tore out the foundation and rebuilt it. The new section has been widened to include a center median, extended turn lanes, bicycle lanes and a sidewalk, Sweeting said.

Reconstruction also installed a drainage system to catch runoff from the hillside that contributed to the damage of the roadway.

Street lighting is scheduled to be installed on the highway next month, Sweeting said.

The long-awaited $4 million highway project was made possible when the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board awarded a grant to the City this year.

Drivers are advised to practice extreme caution and use alternate routes to avoid delays as construction is still under way. Construction activities will be intermittent until late January when work to replace the traffic signal and widen the intersection at West Main Street resumes.

For further information, contact the City of Auburn Public Works Department at 253-931-3010 or visit the City’s website at www.auburnwa.gov and click on the “Upcoming Road Projects” link.