Features

City Warns of Traffic Delays For University Ave. Repairs

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Thursday April 16, 2009 - 07:01:00 PM
University Avenue will be subject to traffic delays through Oct. 30.
Richard Brenneman
University Avenue will be subject to traffic delays through Oct. 30.

Berkeley’s Public Works Department last week announced anticipated traffic delays and possible street closures due to street repairs on University Avenue, between Sixth and Grant streets. 

Over the next six monthS, contractors hired by the city will fix sanitary sewer lines, sidewalks and pavements, including: 

• Sewer improvements to replace aging sewer lines will be made from Sixth Street to Grant Street. 

• Sidewalk improvements, including fixing broken sidewalks, curbs and driveways and eliminating uplifts due to tree roots, will be made from Sixth to Sacramento. 

• Street paving and curb cut repair will be done from Sixth Street to San Pablo Avenue in the first phase. Depending on the federal stimulus money allocation, a second phase of street paving could smooth San Pablo to Sacramento. 

Construction will be done in phases until Oct. 30. Work hours will run between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except in special circumstances.  

The city warns visitors and residents to expect traffic delays in certain spots. In the event that street closures are necessary, they will not exceed 12 hours at a time. 

Street parking will be forbidden along sections of University Avenue during construction hours because of the repaving. The affected blocks will have “no parking” signs posted by the city three days in advance, which will state exact hours and locations. Usual parking restrictions, including parking rules for street cleaning, will still be in effect. 

Access to residents’ driveways might be prohibited for most of the day during the repaving on their block, except during emergencies. 

The city does not anticipate any significant interruptions in sewer, water, electric, gas or phone service. City staff will distribute door hangers providing further information a minimum of three days before the start of sewer improvements on the block and before sewer lateral work is carried out. 

Business owners are encouraged to contact the city or the contractor to coordinate delivery schedules for their business. 

For emergencies, please call Public Works Customer Service at 981-6620.