Watertown - U.S. Highway 212 from U.S. Highway 81 to 19th Street

June 26, 2023:

With the completion of pavement marking last week, all work impacting traffic on U.S. Highway 212 has been completed.  The remaining project work includes placing the pedestrian handrail at 11^th St. and punch list items.  These items should be able to be completed off the roadway and will be completed as soon as the contractor can get them done.  

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June 20,  2023:

Placing permanent pavement marking has begun with long lines and arrows already completed.  The placement of crosswalks at intersections is underway today and should complete this week. 

The remaining project work includes finishing permanent pavement marking, placing pedestrian handrails at 11^th St., and punch list items.  All items impacting traffic are anticipated to be completed Wednesday or Thursday this week.   

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June 13, 2023:

As planned bump grinding of the concrete pavement is underway this week. Placing permanent pavement marking is expected to begin later this week following grinding.  Depending on progress of pavement grinding today, volume of traffic on Fridays, and possible rain end of this week, pavement marking could bleed into next week. 

The contractors continue to progress through the project punch list of cleanup items with just a handful of items remaining.  Remaining project work includes permanent pavement marking, placing pedestrian handrail at 11^th St., and punch list items.  It is anticipated that all project work should complete next week.   

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June 6, 2023:

Traffic control has been removed from U.S. Highway 212 today.  This however does not mean all work is completed, but the majority of the roadway work is in place.  As expected sawing and sealing of the remaining pavement was completed earlier this week. 

The remaining primary work includes the completion of the profile measurements, needed pavement grinding, and placing permanent pavement markings.  Lanes will be closed as needed to complete the remaining items during the end of this week and into next week until complete.  The contractors have also been progressing through a punch list of cleanup items.  It is still anticipated that all project work should complete by mid-June.   

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June 1, 2023:

Traffic Control was switched as planned this week to allow work on the inside three lanes of U.S. Highway 212.  Concrete has been placed at the 19^th St. repair area and the remaining concrete at the 11^th St intersection is planned to be poured this week.  The last of the seeding/mulching should happen today. 

The contractors have continued to work on punch list items this week.  After concrete work is complete, the contractor will work on the remaining sawing and sealing of the concrete pavement, needed pavement grinding, permanent pavement markings, and required cleanup or punch list work.  It is still anticipated that all project work should complete by mid-June.   

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May 5, 2023:

The Contractors have made good progress in the first week back.  A significant amount of the remaining sidewalk on the north side of US 212 has been completed this week and 19^th St Pavement Repair in the WB outside lane is expected to be poured today.  Removal work at 11^th St has begun with the hope to put surfacing back next week.  Work on remaining sidewalk at ADA corners will continue into next week.  Once the work in the WB outside lane is complete, the lane closure will be switched to the inside lanes in the coming weeks.     

April 26, 2023: 

Just a short reminder, J&J Earthworks Inc. still intends to resume work on U.S. Highway 212 starting Monday May 1, 2023.  The work will first begin on the northside of US 212 where the majority of the work is located.  A lane closure in the westbound outside lane will be set up between 11^th St and 19^th St so removals at 11^th St and 19^th St can begin.  Panel replacement at 11^th and 19^th St should closely follow removals.  Completing remaining sidewalk on the north side of US 212 will occur at the same time as 11^th and 19^th St work.  Traffic controls will begin to be laid out the end of this week in preparation for Monday.  Looking ahead the remaining work on the south side of US 212 primarily at 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th St intersections will proceed as time allows, likely into the 2^nd or 3^rd week in May.  The general plan is to work in the outside lanes first before switching traffic to complete remaining work in the inside lanes.  The remaining project work is currently scheduled to take 6 weeks.   

April 18, 2023:

After a fairly long winter that has now extended into spring,  the contractor on the project (J&J Earthworks Inc.) intends to resume work on U.S. Highway 212 on Monday, May 1, 2023.  The plan is for remaining work to be completed under lane closure conditions.  Work to be completed primarily includes surfacing the north side of the 11^th Street and 19^th Street intersections, continue sidewalk placement, completing signal work, and placing permanent pavement marking. Project cleanup, various minor project items, and punch list items will also be completed. The remaining project work is currently scheduled to take six weeks. 

December 2, 2022

Phase 2:  Concrete Pavement work at the 19^th St Intersection has been completed this week.  All side street tie-ins have been poured this week and will be opened as strength is gained.  Concrete approach work will continue on the remaining driveways on the north side of US 212 next week.  Traffic Signals can function normally.  The remaining Sidewalk work is projected to be delayed until next spring.  Pending concrete strength at 19^th St and a bit of temporary paint left at the 11^th St and 19^th St Intersections, US 212 will be opened to thru traffic by the end of next week.  Depending on the timing of approach work on the north side, the outside lane may need to remain closed thru the week.

December 9, 2022

Phase 2:  Traffic has been restored to US 212 yesterday.  Signage and traffic controls are still actively being removed for the season.  A lane closure on the WB outside lane will remain in place until all the driveway tie ins are completed.  These driveway tie ins are anticipated to be wrapped up early next week.  The remaining Sidewalk work is projected to be delayed until next spring.  Repair work at 19^th St. Intersection and permanent surfacing at 11^th St Intersection will also occur next spring.  I anticipate this remaining work will take 4 to 6 weeks likely resuming mid-April depending on winter conditions.

 

November 23, 2022

Phase 2:  Concrete Pavement work at 19^th St Intersection has been completed this week to the point where we are waiting on Concrete Strength.  Pending concrete strength at 19^th St, traffic will be shifted next week to use the new pavement while the area currently used by traffic will be surfaced.  Temporary paint work is currently underway during the warmer weather, so it will be there for when the roadway can be opened to normal traffic.  The Temporary Surfacing at 11^th St is expected to be placed soon pending the placement of the temporary paint as traffic is currently running thru the intersection so markings can be placed.  Concrete work will continue on the remaining side street tie ins and approaches to get surfacing on these prior to winter.  The 14^th St Signal is now functioning at a flashing red state and the 11^th St Signal has had heads placed this week with final wiring proceeding.   Again the Contractor plans to get traffic flowing on the completed portions of US 212 normally as soon as possible pending mainline work at 19^th St, Temporary pavement placement at 11^th St, placing pavement markings, and when Traffic Signals can function normally.  Remaining Sidewalk work is projected to be delayed until next spring.  The Contractor hopes to have US 212 traffic functioning normally in the next few weeks, thou some work on side street tie ins on the north side of US 212 may still be in needed pending weather.

November 17, 2022

Phase 2:  Mainline Concrete Pavement work has continued at 19^th St Intersection this week despite the cold and snowy weather.  With temperatures predicted to moderate next week, remaining concrete pavement at 19^th St Intersection will be continuing.  The decision has been made that 11^th St surfacing work will be delayed until next spring.  Conduit work at 11^th St was completed this week to allow the 11^th St Signal to function for the winter and make way for temporary pavement.  Temporary Surfacing at 11^th St is expected to be placed next week.  Concrete work will continue on the remaining side street tie ins and approaches to get surfacing on these prior to winter.  Signal work at 14^th St is in the final wiring stages and work at 11^th St Intersection will continue to get that signal running.   The Contractor plans to get traffic flowing on the completed portions of US 212 as soon as possible pending mainline work at 19^th St, placing pavement markings, and when Traffic Signals can function normally.  Temporary pavement marking work is expected next week with predicted temperatures sounding promising.  Remaining Sidewalk work is projected to be delayed until next spring.  The Contractor still estimates project completion for the year to be late November.

November 10, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  Curb and Gutter at 13^th St has been poured and is awaiting concrete strength before Concrete Pavement is placed.  A few sidewalk tie ins at 12^th St and 11^th St remain to be completed.  Unless the weather improves these sidewalk sections will likely have to wait until next year.      

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  Center Turn Lane Pavement is now all placed between 19^th St and 11^th St.  Some mainline concrete work remains across 19^th St and 11^th St Intersections.  19^th St Mainline work will be next and will proceed in halves to keep traffic flowing.  Since 11^th St existing pavement has not been removed, surfacing work there may be delayed until next spring as the Contractor does not want to open this section unless all the other intersection work can be completed.  Concrete work will continue on remaining side street tie ins and approaches to get surfacing on these prior to winter.  Unless the weather improves remaining sidewalk work will likely have to wait until next year.  The signal work at 19^th St is now functioning in 4 way flash.  Signal work will proceed to 14^th St and 11^th St Intersections to get those operational.   The Contractor plans to get traffic flowing on the completed portions of US 212 as soon as possible pending mainline work at 19^th St and Traffic Signals can function as intended.  The Contractor now estimates project completion for the year to be late November.

November 3, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  12^th St access has been opened to normal traffic and 13^th St has been closed so work can begin there.  A few sidewalk tie-ins at 12^th St and 11^th St also remain to be completed.   

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  All Slipformed Mainline Concrete Paving has now been completed on Phase 2.  Center Turn Lane Pavement is expected to be placed starting this Friday between 19^th St and 14^th St.  Center Turn Lane Pavement will be placed in sections down to 11^th St.  Traffic will be temporarily routed to the outside lanes during Center Turn Lane pours both for added safety and to minimize delay to the traveling public.  Note during Center Turn Lane pours access across the highway will be restricted to right turns only except at key intersections.  Concrete work will continue on side street tie-ins and approaches.  Both Light and Signal Poles continue to be placed and wire installed to make them operational.  The signal work at 19^th St is mostly complete and will proceed to 14^th St and 11st St Intersections.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be mid-November.

October 27, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  Work on side street tie-in pavement has been completed on 12^th St and pending strength gain it will be opened and pavement work will move to 13^th St off the mainline.  

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  Underground work concluded between 11^th St and 12^th St early this week.  Remaining gravel work should complete this week between 11^th St and 12^th St.  Mainline Concrete Paving between 14^th St and 13^th St is anticipated for tomorrow.  The next section of Mainline Concrete paving is anticipated next Wednesday between 13^th St and 11^th St.  Concrete hand pours at side streets, driveways, and sidewalk areas is already underway between 19^th St and 14^th St and will continue as mainline pavement is placed.  Center Turn Lane Pavement is expected to be placed when work is completed on the north side of the highway so traffic can be temporarily routed to the outside lanes during Center Turn Lane pours both for added safety and convenience to the public.  Note during Center Turn Lane pours access across the highway will be restricted to right turns only except at key intersections.  Both Light and Signal Poles continue to be placed and wire installed to make them operational.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be about November 15, 2022.

October 21, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  Traffic was fully switched to the south side early in week.  Side street tie-in work continues at 12^th St and 13^th St off the mainline.  

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  Mainline Concrete Paving between 14^th St and 19^th St completed this week. Concrete paving have already begun with placement of stringline to guide the concrete paving.  Concrete removal work should complete this week between 13^th St and 11^th St.  Storm Sewer work has already begun between 14^th St to 13^th St where the pavement is removed and will work from east to west between 13^th St and 11^th St.  Remaining Storm Sewer work will complete by mid next week.  Grading and Gravel work has already begun at 14^th St and will closely follow the underground storm sewer placement.  The next section of Mainline Concrete paving is anticipated next Thursday between 13^th St and 14^th St and remaining mainline paving is anticipated the week of November 1.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be about November 15, 2022.

October 13, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  Mainline paving work has been completed earlier this week and work on sidewalk and tie ins at 12^th St and 13^th St is underway.  It is still anticipated that traffic will be fully switched to the south side early next week.   

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  Grading and Gravel Work between 14^th St and 19^th St completed this week.  Preparations for Concrete paving have already begun with placement of stringline to guide the concrete paving.  Concrete Placement is scheduled on the north side between 19^th St and 14^th St Tuesday or Wednesday next week.  Concrete removal work scheduled to start October 19^th  between 14^th St and 11^th St  on the north side should move up to Monday next week.  Remaining underground work will begin as soon as the pavement is removed and will work from east to west between 14^th St and 11^th St.  Grading and Gravel work will closely follow the underground storm sewer placement.  Remaining concrete paving is anticipated about November 1 or before if possible.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be about November 15, 2022.

October 6, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  Storm Sewer placement and Grading / Graveling work between 14^th St and 11^th St finished early this week.  Mainline paving work has been completed yesterday from 14^th St and 13^th St and remaining concrete paving work from 13^th St to 11^th St is scheduled for this Friday and next Monday.  The Contractor continues paving in the west half of 14^th St Intersection and the new 11^th St Intersection.  Concrete Tie Ins at 13^th St and 12^th St will begin as soon as mainline pavement is in place.   It is anticipated that traffic will be fully switched to the south side asap following concrete pavement curing time and is currently slated for October 19^th or before if possible.   

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  Utility Work and Storm Sewer will complete between 14^th St and 19^th St this week.  Grading and Gravel Work between 14^th St and 19^th St will begin late this week and complete early next week.  Staking for concrete pavement is set for Tuesday next week.  Concrete Placement is scheduled on the north side between 19^th St and 14^th St late next week.  Concrete removal work is scheduled to start October 19^th  between 14^th St and 11^th St  on the north side once all traffic is moved to the south side completed pavement.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be November 15, 2022.

September 29, 2022

Phase 2A (Southside of US 212):  Storm Sewer placement between 13^th St and 11^th St is expected to finish this weekend.  Grading / Graveling work between 14^th St and 11^th St has already begun and is expected to complete early next week.  Mainline paving work will continue between 14^th St and 11^th St after gravel placement has been completed and is scheduled for late next week.  The Contractor has completed paving the east half of 14^th St Intersection and has begun paving the new 11^th St Intersection.   

Phase 2B (Northside of US 212):  Traffic was rerouted to the completed south side lanes between 14^th St and 19^th St this week as planned.  Pavement removal work already currently in progress should complete by early next week.  It is anticipated that Utility Work and Storm Sewer will begin and complete next week between 14^th St and 19^th St.  Grading and Gravel Work between 14^th St and 19^th St will closely follow storm sewer placement.  Concrete Placement will begin on the north side as soon as the gravel base has been prepared.  The remaining work between 14^th St and 11^th St on the north side will begin as soon as pavement work completes and gains strength on the south side of US 212.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be November 15, 2022.

September 20, 2022

Phase 2:  City utility work on the south side of US 212 between 13^th and 11^th St has completed except for a few services which will happen as they proceed east.  Storm Sewer placement between 13^th St and 11^th St on the south side has begun with the tie in at 11^th St.  South access at 12^th St and 13^th St will need to be alternated to accommodate this remaining underground work.  Mainline paving work will continue between 14^th St and 11^th St once storm sewer work and base placement is completed in the next few weeks.  The last concrete hand pour at 19^th St. Intersection is expected today as well as the first pours at 14^th St. Intersection.  As pavement at 14^th St. Intersection is completed, crews will complete pavement at the 11^th St Intersection.  The Service Road east of 19^th St. was reopened yesterday on the newly poured concrete pavement.  Asphalt pavement tie in work at 19^th St. and 17^th St. will happen the next time the asphalt contractor is available.  It is still anticipated that work on the north side of US 212 will begin by September 26th.  Traffic will be routed in phases onto the paved crossover to the newly completed south lanes from just east of 14^th St to 19^th St.  Concrete pavement removal work on the north side of US 212 between 14^th St and 19^th St will begin as soon as traffic is rerouted.  Work on the north side of US 212 is expected to go much quicker with very little underground work that needs completing. The Contractor still estimates project completion to be November 15, 2022.

September 15, 2022

Phase 2:  City utility work on the south side of US 212 between 13^th and 11^th St has continued this week with the completion of Sanitary Sewer and with Watermain work set to finish this week.  Storm Sewer placement between 13^th St and 11^th St on the south side is set to start Monday next week.  Mainline paving work will continue between 14^th St and 11^th St once storm sewer work and base placement is completed.  Asphalt tie ins at parking lots were completed this week on the south side of US 212 between 14^th St and 19^th St.   The paving crews have completed all but a few concrete hand pours at 19^th St. Intersection.  The Service Road east of 19^th St. will remain closed until strength is gained on newly poured concrete.  The thru movement to the south at 19^th St itself continues to remain open to traffic for access to the businesses on 19^th St south of US 212.  Pending weather and concrete strength at 19^th St., it is anticipated that work on the north side of US 212 will begin September 26th.  Traffic will be routed to the newly completed south lanes from east of 14^th St to 19^th St on September 26th.  The routing of traffic this way will allow for pavement removal work on the north side of US 212 to begin as concrete pavement placement finishes on the south side.  The Contractor still estimates project completion to be November 15, 2022.

September 8, 2022

Phase 2:  City utility work between 13^th and 11^th St has continued this week with Sanitary Sewer which is expected to finish early next week.  Watermain work between 13^th St and 11^th St will follow Sanitary Sewer and the last of the south side storm sewer will complete the underground work there.  The majority of south side sidewalk and driveways have been completed between 19^th St and 14^th St and are awaiting strength.  Asphalt tie ins at parking lots are anticipated next week.   The paving crews continue concrete hand pours at 19^th St. and 17^th St Intersections.  As the Contractor completes pavement at 19^th St, it is anticipated that the Contractor will close the Service Road East of 19^th St to facilitate concrete pavement.  The thru movement to the south at 19^th St itself will remain open to traffic.  Work will continue into the north side of US 212 the last week of September.  The Contractor has submitted a revision to the project schedule for the anticipated overall completion of the work to now November 15, 2022.

AUGUST 2022

August 30, 2022

Seeding of Phase 1 has been completed behind the sidewalk up to 10^th St.   

Storm Sewer between 17^th St to 13^th St on the southside of US 212 in Phase 2 was finished late last week.  Grading / graveling work between 17^th and 13^th St has been completed behind storm sewer placement.  Final grade staking is being completed between 14^th St and 13^th St.  City utility work between 13^th and 11^th St has begun this week and will continue with Sanitary Sewer and Watermain placement asap.  A second section of concrete paving was completed on mainline EB Friday last week up to the east side of 14^th St.  The paving crews have started concrete pours at 19^th St. and will continue with curb and gutter there soon.  Work on approaches / sidewalk has begun west of 19^th St. and will continue as strength of the mainline concrete is gained.

August 24, 2022

Phase 1 was opened to traffic last Thursday.  Seeding of disturbed areas is now underway behind the sidewalk. 

Phase 2 work continues on the south side of US 212 with Storm Sewer between 17^th St to 13^th St finishing today.  Grading / graveling work between 17^th and 13^th St is being completed directly behind storm sewer placement.  Utility work between 13^th and 11^th St will be next to begin.  Concrete paving was completed on mainline EB and is expected to continue up to 14^th St either late this week or early next.  The paving crews will also drop back and complete concrete pours at both 19^th St and 17^th St.  After strength is attained on mainline paving, work on approaches / sidewalk will be completed.

August 17, 2022

Phase 1 between 8^th St and 9^th St was opened for business access on Tuesday this week.  Final sidewalk work is being completed today and cleanup of the roadway is already underway.  The remaining portions of Phase 1 between 9^th St and 11^th St is projected to be opened to thru traffic tomorrow.  Thru traffic will be tapered into the north lanes of US 212 and then continue on the north side of US 212 into Phase 2.  Following the opening of Phase 1 to thru traffic, local detours will be removed beginning Thursday and all associated detour signs or barricades will be removed.  The temporary 11^th St detour south of US 212 will also be closed and taken out of use so Phase 2 city utility work can proceed thru the south side of the 11^th St Intersection.

Phase 2 work continues on the south side of US 212 with Storm Sewer 17^th St to 13^th St as well as grading/graveling work between 17^th and 13^th St.  Utility work between 13^th and 11^th St will begin next week followed by the last of the storm sewer for the south side.  Final grade stakes were placed yesterday between 19^th and 17^th St and string line staking has already started for mainline paving.  Concrete paving is expected to begin between 19^th St and 17^th St next week.  

 

August 12, 2022

Construction has quickened in the last week.  The Concrete Contractor has been able to place all the mainline concrete within the closed Phase 1 section of the project with just sidewalk and tie in pavement yet to complete next week.  The projection is Phase 1 will be opened to thru traffic at the end of next week.  Phase 1 detours will be removed completely after opening the project west of 11^th St.  There may be some minor work off the roadway in Phase 1 such as cleanup and remaining seeding work.  Unfortunately light poles for the project have yet to arrive due to production delays, so they will be installed when they get here which is projected to be in September at last report.  Full thru traffic will be allowed project wide following Phase 1 opening with traffic to run on the north side of US 212 between 11^th St and 19^th St.

With the opening of Phase 1, this will allow Phase 2 work to close the southside of 11^th  St so underground utility work can proceed.  This underground work involves deep excavation to place new Sanitary Sewer on the tied City Utility Project along the south side of US 212.  This work should be brief if all goes well but more difficult with the depth and uncertain ground water levels.  Note the temporary detour at 11^th St down to Jensen Ave (10^th Ave S) will be removed after Phase 1 is opened.  This route was only a temporary connection to route traffic for construction of Phase 1.  Further note the private development of the area south of 11^th St currently underway will establish the permanent 11^th St following the completion of the US 212 reconstruction work.

Phase 2 work already under way will continue with storm sewer between 17^th St and 13^th St expected next week and grading / gravel work closely behind.  Concrete placement at 19^th St intersection is also anticipated to begin next week and concrete paving between west of 19^th St will be soon after.      

 

August 4, 2022
Slow progress is still being made on the closed section of Phase 1 from 9^th St to 11^th St.  Work continues on side street tie-ins and the remaining sidewalk.  The last 200’ section of mainline to tie US 212 into 11^th St is scheduled to be placed Friday this week.  The center turn lane on this last section west of 11^th St should be placed early next week followed by the adjacent Curb and gutter.  Once work on the closed section completes it will be opened to full traffic and detours will be removed.

The southside section of Phase 2 between 11^th St and 19^th St continues with utility work.  Utility work should wrap up next week east of 13^th St pending required watermain testing results.  Storm sewer work will continue at the end of next week between 17^th St and 13^th St.  Grading and graveling work will continue between 19^th St and 13^th St closely following Storm Sewer placement.  Concrete pavement from 19^th St to 13^th St will begin asap.  The last of the utility work on the southside of US 212 will begin as soon as Phase 1 can open west of 11^th St.

Looking forward, the northside section of Phase 2 is planned to begin in September.  

JULY 2022

July 29, 2022

In Phase 1 – from 7^th to 8^th St sidewalk has been poured, asphalt ties have been paved, and we opened that block to traffic.  Next week we plan to pave centerline and driving lanes as close to 11^th St as we can, Sidewalk from 8^th to 9^th st, and asphalt tie-ins between 8^th and 9^th st.  By late next week we should be opening the roadway to 9^th st.  Concrete sidewalk and asphalt tie-n will continue for 10th and 11th st and will hopefully be opening those stretches the following week or two.  

Phase 2 on the south side of US 212 between 14^th and 19^th St the existing surfacing has all been removed.  Watermain has been installed from 19^th St to 17^th St.  Storm sewer has been mostly installed throughout the open area with only some cross pipe remaining.  Water main and storm sewer work will continue next week as well.

July 21, 2022

In the closed section from 7^th St to 11^th St., remaining pavement areas have been prepped for centerline and curb and gutter paving to within a few hundred feet west of 11^th St.  Curb and Gutter and some sidewalk paving is expected Thursday / Friday this week, and remaining surfacing work will continue next week.  Sidewalk and pavement tie-ins have been prepped in many locations and will be placed as the crews have time between mainline pours.  Opening the roadway for business access up to 8^th St will occur after the completion of the sidewalk work expected next week.  Opening thru 11^th St will complete Phase 1 work and is expected in the coming weeks depending on paving strengths.  Detour routes will be removed after full traffic has been restored to US 212 west of 11^th St.

Phase 2 on the south side of US 212 between 11^th and 19^th St continues with concrete removals and water main work is proceeding west of 19^th St.  Storm Sewer work is expected to begin once the water main work is completed from 19^th St to 17^th St.  Underground crews will relocate to 11^th St as soon as concrete pavement work is complete west of 11^th St and thru traffic is allowed past 11^th St.   Work on the southside of the roadway after storm sewer is placed will continue with grading and graveling followed by concrete pavement.

July 13, 2022
In the closed section from 7^th St to 11^th St., remaining pavement areas have been prepped for mainline paving to within a few hundred feet west of 11^th St.  Mainline paving is expected Thursday / Friday this week, and remaining surfacing work will continue next week.  Sidewalk and pavement tie-ins have been prepped from 7^th St to 8^th St and will be placed as the crews have time between mainline pours.  Opening the roadway for business access up to 8^th St will occur after the completion of the sidewalk work expected next week.  Opening thru 11^th St will complete Phase 1 work and is expected in the coming weeks depending on paving strengths.  Detour routes will be removed after full traffic has been restored to US 212 west of 11^th St.

 Phase 2 on the south side of US 212 between 11^th and 19^th St continues with concrete removals and watermain work is proceeding west of 19^th St.  Storm Sewer work is expected to begin next week from 19^th St to 17^th St.  Underground crews will relocate to 11^th St as soon as concrete pavement work is complete west of 11^th St and thru traffic is allowed past 11^th St.   Work on the southside of the roadway after storm sewer is placed will continue with grading and graveling followed by concrete pavement.

July 8, 2022
The weather has turned a bit this past week with about 3+ inches of rain in Watertown.  We did not have a lot opened up over the holiday weekend so we faired better than expected.  Slow progress is still being made in the closed section from 7^th St to 11^th St with grading/graveling completed up to a few hundred feet of 11^th St and paving hubs placed yesterday.  A Watermain Bore is yet to be completed under 11^th St and is planned for next week.  Concrete Paving is scheduled for the middle of next week up to nearly 11^th St.  Just sidewalk and pavement tie-ins remain from 7^th St to 8^th St after which that block will be opened to business access.  The paving contractor has been tied up on other projects that should complete soon so they can be on-site more full-time.  The goal is still for paving work to complete in the next few weeks up to 11^th St. so this closed section can be reopened to normal traffic and then Phase 1 Detours will be removed.

Phase 2 on the south side of US 212 between 11^th and 19^th St continued with concrete removals and the start of watermain work this week.  Removals will continue next week down to 11^th St with watermain work close behind.  Once watermain is in place to about 14^th St the crews will drop back to 19^th St to complete storm sewer work past 17^th St.  Underground work between 19^th St and 17^th St is expected to be complete in a few weeks when the underground crew will relocate back to 11^th St to continue to the east.  Note 19^th St and US 212 intersection was set to a four-way stop this week and this will continue through the remainder of the project.  This certainly has slowed traffic at times but has better allowed free left turns at this busy intersection.  With favorable weather, the plan remains for Phase 2 southside work in July / August and Phase 2 northside work in September / October.

JUNE 2022

June 30, 2022
Dry weather has helped US 212 continue to make progress.  In the closed section from 7^th St to 11^th St, the underground work has been completed and grading / graveling is expected to complete early next week up to 11^th St.  Surfacing work will complete Friday from 7^th St to 8^th St with remaining sidewalk and pavement tie-ins expected to complete next week.  The next section of mainline paving is expected after the July 4^th Holiday between 8^th St and 10^th St.  The goal is for paving work to complete in the next 3 weeks up to 11^th St. so this closed section can be reopened to normal traffic and Phase 1 Detours be removed.

Phase 2 Traffic Control on the south side of US 212 between 11^th and 19^th St has been set up with sawing removals limits and some concrete removals beginning this week.  Removals will continue next week and underground work is expected to begin at 19^th St. on Tuesday.  Concrete removals, watermain and storm sewer work is expected to take 3 weeks between 19^th St and 17^th St when the underground crew will relocate back to 11^th St to continue to the east.  The vast majority of underground work along US 212 between 11^th St. and 19^th St is on the southside with much less located on the north side of US 212.  This may slow the south side work but should help the north side work when that is ready to begin early in September.

June 17, 2022: Work has continued with good progress this week.  The last block of the closed section was closed this week to 11^th St.  Underground work has already begun in that block with watermain work completed except for a few services and storm sewer work is expected to be complete up to 11^th St next week.  Mainline paving between 7^th St and 8^th St is expected today.  Half of the sidewalk and approaches as well as all Joint Sealing has been completed this week 6^th St to 7^th St.  Remaining items are anticipated next week so 6^th St to 7^th St can be reopened for business access.  With the underground work nearing completion in the closed section the project will be moving into Phase 2 as early as next week.  This will be the two way traffic section of the project with work beginning on the southside of US 212 between 11^th St and 19^th St as traffic is maintained on the northside of the highway.  Access to the detours would be maintained at 11^th St until Phase 1 is completed.  The exact starting point for the Phase 2 southside work is being considered as 11^th St needs to stay open.  Regardless of the starting point for the southside work, access will be maintained at side streets and driveways as much as practical.  Access points along the two way traffic route will need to be limited as the work progresses past driveways or side streets.

June 10, 2022: Work has been progressing quickly this week thanks to favorable weather and lowering groundwater levels.  Another block 9^th to 10^th St was closed this past Monday and underground work is nearing completion there already.  Grading and graveling should be completed today 7^th St to the south junction of 8^th St. and pavement placement there should start next week.  This section was closed just two weeks ago so the pace of construction has picked up significantly.  From 6^th St to 7^th St, the West End Transitions, Center Turn Lane, and 7^th St Concrete Tie In have been completed earlier this week and Curb and Gutter should be placed today.  That will leave Sidewalk, Parking Lot Tie Ins, and some Joint Sealing and cleanup from 6^th St to 7^th St to happen next week before we can open that section for business access.  The exact timing depends on weather and progress today, but the last block of the closed section up to 11^th St should begin next week.  Looking ahead, J&J Earthwork intends to begin the southside of Phase 2 (two-way traffic section) from 11^th St to 19^th about the last week in June in order to keep the underground crew going.  Phase 1 work in the closed section will still be completed as they begin Phase 2 work.  11^th St itself will remain open to north, south, and east traffic to access both the thru and business detours.    

June 3, 2022 (Sent on June 3, 2022): As anticipated, J&J Earthworks has closed another block from 8^th St to 9^th St E early this week.  Pavement removals were completed in that block by Wednesday and Underground utility work is currently underway there.  Storm sewer work between 8^th St and 9^th St E is projected to continue next week.  Once storm sewer is well underway, another block to the east from 9^th St to 10^th St E will be closed.  This additional closure is anticipated later next week.

US 81 to 6^th St E was reopened to business traffic Tuesday this week.  Business access from the west will continue as we complete blocks from west to east. 

Mainline concrete pavement has begun to be placed from 6^th St E to 8^th St E.  Timmons Construction has completed both the EB and WB lanes there.  Placing west end pavement transitions, center turn lane, and completing curb and gutter will begin early next week.  Sidewalk, approaches, and side street / parking lot tie-ins will follow.

The project will continue to work west to east in block increments through the road closure area.  Detour routes remain the same with the through route on 4^th Ave S and south side business route on Jensen Ave.  Work is projected to proceed into the two way traffic section between 11^th St E and 19^th St E late June or early July depending on weather.   

MAY 2022

Week of May 23, 2022: J&J Earthworks has completed all underground work between 6^th St E and 8^th St E.  Grading and Gravel placement between 6^th St E and 8^th St E should complete today or tomorrow depending on weather.  Still plan to complete concrete pavement handwork from US 81 to 6^th St E yet this week.  Remaining work from US 81 to 6^th St E including sidewalk, pavement sealing, and cleanup will be completed asap in hopes of opening this section to local business traffic sometime next week.  With recent rain including today, finishing work on other projects, and the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend both the additional pavement removal and mainline paving plans have been pushed back a bit.  Removal of pavement 8^th St E to 10^th St E is planned to start Tuesday after Memorial Day and the underground crew should return on Wednesday to start Watermain and Storm Sewer.  Mainline paving of 6^th St E to 8^th St E should be completed next week.  The project will continue to move from west to east in the coming weeks as blocks complete work.

Week of May 18, 2022: US 212 continues to be closed between 6^th St E and 8^th St E.  J&J Earthworks should finish watermain work between 7^th St and 8^th St E today and begin placing the remaining storm sewer connections between 7^th St and 8^th St E on the north side of US 212.  Concrete Curb and Gutter work is set to begin tomorrow west of 6^th St.  Concrete Handwork including Pavement Panels west of 6^th St E would be placed on Friday assuming the weather cooperates.  Finish Grading and Base Course placement between 6^th St and 7^th St E is planned for Thursday / Friday this week depending on rain.  Once mainline paving work begins between 6^th St and 7^th St E, then additional pavement removals will move east between 8^th St and 9^th St E.  This move 1 block to the east is projected to occur early to mid next week with good weather.

Week of May 9, 2022: Storm Sewer work is proceeding well from 6^th St E to 8^th St E.  Watermain work will begin from 7^th St E to 8^th St E late this week or beginning of next depending on rain tonight and/or tomorrow night.  Final backfill is expected today west of 6^th St E with surfacing work to follow depending on the weather.  The goal is to complete all work including surfacing west of 6^th St E as soon as possible to open that block to local traffic.  The full width surfacing work would then continue thru next week between 6^th St E and 7^th St E.  Once surfacing has begun the removals will continue moving to the east a block at a time.

Week of May 3, 2022: Gas Line lowering has been completed on the project between 6^th St E and 7^th St E.  Storm Sewer placement work has begun and will proceed from west to east between 6^th St and 8^th St E.  Watermain replacement work will begin starting at 7^th St E and will continue all the way to 19^th St. E.  J&J will pick up watermain work as they move to the east.  Concrete replacement on EB US 212 and impacted driveways west of 6^th St E will begin as soon as underground work is completed. 

 APRIL 2022

Week of April 25, 2022: J&J closed US 212 to thru traffic on Monday and continues to complete pavement removals between 6^th St E and 8^th St E.  US 212 East of 8^th St E remains open.  Detour routes have been placed separately for local, business, and truck traffic.  Work has already begun on utilities between 6^th St E and 8^th St. E.  Storm sewer pipe is being delivered now and placement will start when utility work allows.  Rain looks pretty likely this weekend, but hopefully, that impact can be worked around.

Note the 11^th St E / US 212 Intersection has been converted to a 4way stop condition and has incorporated the newly paved Southside Business Detour at 11^th St E to aid south side business traffic to get to/from Jensen Ave.  The portable signal setup at Jensen Ave / US 81 Intersection remains in place to control traffic volume entering and existing Jensen Ave.  We continue to adjust traffic controls as needed to accommodate the project.  All traffic is encouraged to follow detours as laid out and obey traffic controls in place.  WPD continues to enforce compliance related to all detour routes.

Week of April 18, 2022: The Contractor resumed detour prep work yesterday and will continue today.  Asphalt work is expected Wednesday afternoon and / or Thursday morning including patch work of the detour routes.  US 212 closure from US 81 to 8^th Ave will occur after asphalt work is completed.  Surfacing removal is expected to continue into next week and under the roadway, utility work will get started asap after surfacing is removed.  Gas Line utility work off the roadway is expected to start as soon as today.  Detour setup and signing is continuing.

April 19, 2022: A temporary traffic signal has been added today at the intersection of Jensen Ave and US 81.  This signal will help with traffic flow throughout construction. Hwy 212 closure from Hwy 81 to 8th Ave. will occur after asphalt work is completed. Surfacing removal is expected to continue into next week.

Week of April 11, 2022: Prep work for the project including setting up signs and the detour route has begun. No exact closure date has been set at this point.