Construction along 29th Avenue delayed due to basalt | News

The first phase of rehabilitation along 29th Avenue between Grand and Bernard is expected to be delayed a couple of weeks. 

Crews with Avista encountered a shallow gas line along a layer of basalt and planned on moving 350 feet of the gas line to another depth, but first they have to chip away at the rock.

Avista spokesperson Laurine Jue explained they knew the work was going to be challenging when they started the project. 

“That pipe has been in there for some time,” Jue said. “As part of this construction project, we’re having to relocate that gas pipeline.”

Jue said their crews are still committed to finishing their piece of the project on time by August 31. So far, they have put in 32 hours of overtime with two crews on site.

City crews have to wait until Avista is wrapped up so they can get in there and work on corroded water pipes. 

The first phase is now expected to be completed in late September with the intersection of Bernard and 29th Avenue to be closed an estimated three weeks with a detour in place. The second phase of construction from Bernard to High Drive is expected to be on hold until next year.