Residents of Moses Lake are encouraged to participate in an open house to discuss the city’s proposed 2025 seal coat project. This event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 29 at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, located at 401 S. Balsam St. The seal coating is tentatively planned for numerous streets in the downtown area, including sections of West Third, Fourth, and Fifth Avenues, along with cross streets from Holly to Chestnut. Additionally, East Wheeler Road from State Route 17 to South Pioneer Way is included in the project, as well as East Hill Avenue from SR 17 to South Division Street.
A seal coat consists of a mixture of rock, other paving materials, and oil applied over existing asphalt to offer protection against weather and seal cracks and pores in the pavement. During the April 29 meeting, attendees will discuss project specifics, parking and road striping options, and potential safety improvements.
Meanwhile, work continues on the North Cascades Highway, with a tentative opening planned for next week. Although an opening this weekend was initially considered, it was postponed due to snowy weather forecasts. The highway remains closed over the weekend to allow crews to assess conditions on Monday and perform necessary cleanup tasks. Bicyclists are advised to prepare accordingly, as there is no cell service available and most federal park and forest sites remain closed. During construction, the highway is closed to all traffic, including bicycles, from Monday through Friday.
Early in this construction season, several projects have already commenced. Crews have been working on upgrading Westshore Drive, where 2.1 miles are being enhanced with new road surfaces, subsurfaces, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. This project may cause delays, as Westshore Drive is reduced to one lane and occasionally closed entirely. Drivers are encouraged to use detours when possible.
In addition, traffic restrictions are currently in place on the Vantage Bridge on Interstate 90 through May 23, as part of a four-year project to resurface the bridge. One lane remains open in each direction at all times, although the speed limit is reduced to 40 miles per hour and loads over nine feet wide are prohibited. These restrictions will be lifted from May 23 to July 8, during which other non-closure-dependent project components will continue. After July 8, restrictions will resume, and drivers are urged to consider alternative routes during peak travel times.
As the construction season progresses, Westshore Drive remains one of the few active road projects currently underway.