Heat could cause morning lane closures

(July 16, 2009) - Motorists may experience lane closures on City streets during their morning drive over the next two months due to the heat.   City street crews, who normally avoid micro surfacing streets during rush hour, are now beginning this work as early as 6:30 a.m.

“When it’s 100 degrees outside, the pavement temperature could soar up to 130 degrees,” said Streets Superintendent Mike DeGiacomo.  “Temperatures that high can cause a number of staffing and project complications.”

Micro surfacing is a thin polymer coating used to extend the life of asphalt streets. Streets being micro surfaced in the next week include:

• Sooner Road from SE 44th Street to SE 59th Street
• SE 74th Street from Midwest Boulevard to Air Depot Boulevard
• SW 104th Street from May Avenue to Portland Avenue

While early morning work is typical during the summer, street crews want to alert residents of possible traffic slow downs.  The lanes will be reopened each day for the afternoon rush.   

Weekly updates will be provided throughout the summer.