ARLINGTON — As spring turns to summer, local motorists can look forward to more road construction work.

May 9-10 already saw the city repairing the pavement on 59th Avenue, between 172nd and 192nd streets, in preparation for a full road resurfacing later this summer, while May 10 also saw the city paving McLeod Avenue, between Fifth and Division streets.

“This is when everything starts to happen,” city public works director Jim Kelly said.

By the time this summer is done, the city will have resurfaced not only 59th and McLeod avenues, but also 63rd and 67th avenues, as well as Fifth Street, Cemetery Road and Highland Drive.

Kelly doesn’t have exact dates yet for these construction projects, because they’re still out for bid, but before any road resurfacing can take place, the water mains on Fifth and Highland need to be replaced.

This adds up to about five miles of city streets that are slated to be resurfaced, after the replacement of approximately 6,200 feet of water main.

“These projects are very important to maintaining a safe infrastructure for the public, and to preserve the public’s investment in the roads and water mains,” Kelly said.

Kelly promised that no work on Fifth and Highland will begin until after school lets out for summer. Likewise, he expects all construction to be complete before school resumes in the fall.

“City crews will start working on Fifth and Highland at the end of June, when there are no more school buses on the roads,” Kelly said. “We anticipate paving will take place in late July.”

Kelly assured citizens the city understands these projects will impact traffic, and pledged to provide notice prior to construction, advising drivers and motorists of alternate routes.

“We appreciate them bearing with us,” Kelly said. “This city wants the community to be the best that it can, so when you see our workers out there, give them a thought as they do their jobs.”

The projects are funded through the Arlington Transportation Benefit District, the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Transportation Improvement Board, as well as from the Arlington Water Utility.

For details, call 360-403-3544, email CityProjects@arlingtonwa.gov or visit www.arlingtonwa.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=11190.