SMOKEY POINT — A construction project to repair and upgrade a stretch of Smokey Point Boulevard is well underway.

As part of an asphalt overlay project that began in July, crews have recently been busy removing and replacing sidewalk ramps that do not meet current ADA accessibility guidelines, said city of Arlington spokeswoman Kristin Banfield.

While most of the construction should have a minimal impact on drivers, city officials said that crews were scheduled to be grinding and paving Smokey Point Boulevard from 175th Street NE to 185th Street NE during the nights of Tuesday, Aug. 17 and Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. both nights.

Banfield said crews are scheduled to complete the roadway improvements by Aug. 24.

The project is being funded by a $145,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment grant received by the Stillaguamish Tribe and an additional $45,000 in city funds.

The city originally estimated that it would have to contribute about $130,000 to the project, but Eric Scott, city of Arlington senior engineer, said that bids for the projects came in much lower than expected.

The Tribe received the grant to pay for maintenance and upgrades to Arlington roads that are listed on the Indian Reservation Road Inventory, including Smokey Point Boulevard.

Crews will be grinding down about four inches into the roadway to seal up large cracks, and then overlay the repaired base with four new inches of asphalt.

Additionally, they will widen the street’s shoulders and lanes.