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Public Works

Posted on: April 3, 2023

East Blithedale Project Construction Update - April 3, 2023

April 2023: Project Update – The Final Push! (Weather Dependent)

This season's wet weather has presented many challenges throughout Mill Valley and has given our construction team some unexpected complications for our East Blithedale Avenue Project. However, we are pleased to report that, even with 13 atmospheric rivers, unseasonably low temperatures and PG&E crews needing to leave to help with a record number of power outages, the project is still slated to be completed ahead of schedule.

We appreciate your patience with the work and your continued understanding as we move into the final phase of pavement work.

Pending weather and conflicts with utilities, most of the work described below is on target to be completed during the school break to minimize impacts to community members. While the team understands that paving operations are a challenge for the entire community, the team has been able to cut the number of working days by more than half to expedite the project and further minimize impacts.

We urge motorists to avoid East Blithedale Avenue if possible - use Camino Alto and Miller Avenue to avoid the construction area.

If you do drive on East Blithedale, please plan ahead, leave plenty of time to make it to your destination safely, and follow posted speed limits and traffic control signs. Please proceed cautiously as East Blithedale Avenue is an active work zone.

SYCAMORE AVENUE PAVING

Sycamore Avenue paving began on March 30^th between Fern Avenue and La Goma Street. On April 3^rd, pavement grinding will continue between East Blithedale Avenue and Fern Avenue, followed by roadway paving on April 4^th. The work hours and roadway closure are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

EAST BLITHEDALE AVENUE PAVING

We have received some community feedback regarding the extended work hours. We listened to your concerns and are modifying the work hours. See below for details.

APRIL 5 & 6: FULL CLOSURE - East Blithedale Avenue between Forrest Street and Grove Street

Work crews must fully close the roadway to permit access to heavy machinery and dump trucks.

April 5: Work crews will pave the eastbound (outbound) direction.

7:00 am - Crews arrive to set up traffic control.
8:15 am – Full closure begins.
5:00 pm - Roadway is re-opened.

April 6: The same process is planned for the opposite (westbound) direction.

April 7 - 17: ONE LANE CLOSURE WITH TWO-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL Argonaut Contractors will grind the roadway, and once the ground surface is exposed, the team will repair structurally failed areas and install and compact a new road base. Crews will install an asphalt leveling coarse to bridge minor deterioration so the roadway can be opened to commuters at the end of the work shift.

APRIL 7: East Blithedale Avenue between Sunnyside Avenue and Forrest Avenue, and Grove Street to Warner Creek Bridge (near Thalia Street).

7:00 am - Crews arrive to set up traffic control.
8:15 am - Lane closure begins, following Park School’s first bell. Motorists can expect one-way traffic control.
5:00 pm - Roadway is re-opened.

APRIL 10 – 14 - During school spring break lane closures will begin at 7:30 am. East Blithedale Avenue between Sunnyside Avenue and Forrest Avenue, and Grove Street to Warner Creek Bridge (near Thalia Street).

7:00 am - Crews arrive to set up traffic control.
7:30 am –Lane closure begins. Motorists can expect one-way traffic control.
5:00 pm - Roadway is re-opened.

APRIL 17: Back to 8:15 am start time East Blithedale Avenue between Sunnyside Avenue and Forrest Avenue, and Grove Street to Warner Creek Bridge (near Thalia Street).

7:00 am - Crews arrive to set up traffic control.
8:15 am - Lane closure begins, following Park School’s first bell. Motorists can expect one-way traffic control.
5:00 pm - Roadway is re-opened.

DETOUR: During the closure, westbound motorists heading into town may either turn right at Carmelita Avenue and turn left at Sunnyside Avenue or proceed to Millwood Street to access Miller Avenue. As always, project managers encourage motorists to use Camino Alto and Miller Avenue to avoid the construction area.

What Is Happening This Upcoming Week: April 3^rd

PG&E Natural Gas Relocation Project – Elm Avenue (east) to Elm Avenue (west): PG&E will stop work on their natural gas main relocation project. This action will allow traffic to flow unrestrictedly until reaching the paving work.

Thank You for Your Patience

City and Construction Management staff continue to mitigate construction impacts and collaborate with the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce to coordinate and notify local businesses of the planned work. The project team is available to answer questions and review concerns. The City of Mill Valley would like to send out a special thank you to the Mill Valley community for your patience during construction.